Imagine a dish that captures the sun-soaked essence of Cuban cuisine in every single bite - our Mojo Chicken Thighs are about to become your new culinary obsession! Bursting with citrusy brightness, aromatic garlic, and a perfect balance of tangy and savory notes, this recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Cuban
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Place chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring they are completely coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Remove chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Remove chicken thighs from marinade, reserving the liquid. Pat chicken dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil.
- Sear chicken thighs skin-side down for 4-5 minutes until skin becomes golden and crispy.
- Flip chicken and transfer skillet to preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Optional: Baste chicken with reserved marinade halfway through cooking for extra flavor.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and serve with rice or roasted vegetables.
Tips
- Marinating is Key: Always marinate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is ideal for maximum flavor penetration.
- Pat Chicken Dry: Ensure crispy skin by thoroughly patting the chicken dry before searing.
- Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: This provides the best heat distribution and creates a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Temperature Matters: Let chicken come to room temperature before cooking for even heat distribution.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Sear chicken in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Always check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking helps retain juices and ensures maximum tenderness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 140mg
