If you have a craving for something bold, tangy, and sizzling with vibrant flavors, this Grilled Cuban Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. It takes simple, fresh ingredients and transforms them into a taste sensation that combines citrusy brightness, smoky paprika warmth, and the unforgettable essence of traditional Cuban spices. Perfectly marinated and kissed by the grill, this chicken will quickly become one of your go-to meals for gatherings or weeknight dinners when you want something exciting yet easy to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, each playing a crucial role in balancing zing, heat, and aroma to create the distinctive Cuban flavors. With nothing fancy, just some well-chosen staples, you can whip up this masterpiece in your own kitchen.
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice: Brings the perfect crisp acidity and brightness to brighten the chicken’s flavor.
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice: Adds natural sweetness and a subtle citrus depth that softens the spices.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the marinade cling to the chicken and keeps it juicy on the grill.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Packs a punch of savory warmth that infuses the meat beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Gives an earthy, slightly smoky edge essential to Cuban cuisine.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Imparts a gentle smoky flavor plus vibrant red color that’s incredibly appetizing.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Lends herbal notes and complexity to marry all other spices together.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the intense flavors in the marinade.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle sharpness to keep things lively without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Delivers a hint of heat to wake up your taste buds; adjust to suit your spice tolerance.
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect canvas for soaking up all these vibrant flavors while grilling.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: A fresh, aromatic finish that brings a nice herbal contrast.
- Lime wedges, as needed: For serving, to add a fresh squeeze of citrus on top of the grilled chicken.
How to Make Grilled Cuban Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the marinade
Start by whisking together the lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a medium bowl. This marinade is your flavor powerhouse that will coat the chicken with those classic Cuban zest and spice notes.
Step 2: Marinate the chicken
Place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece is thoroughly coated for full infusion. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours—but for the best flavor penetration, pop it in for 4 to 6 hours. Patience here will reward you with juicy, flavorful results.
Step 3: Preheat your grill
Just before grilling, set your grill to medium-high heat, roughly between 375°F and 400°F. Getting it hot enough ensures your chicken gets those signature grill marks while locking in the juicy marinade without burning.
Step 4: Grill the chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off (discard the leftover marinade). Carefully place the chicken breasts onto the grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure safe, succulent results. You’ll know it’s perfect when the juices run clear and the surface boasts a beautiful char.
Step 5: Rest and garnish
Transfer your grilled chicken to a platter and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period reabsorbs the juices, guaranteeing a tender bite. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro and a few lime wedges for that final citrus punch.
How to Serve Grilled Cuban Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
The simple addition of a handful of fresh cilantro and lime wedges elevates this dish instantly. The cilantro adds a bright green color and fresh flavor contrast, while a squeeze of lime right before eating enhances the chicken’s zesty marinade tones. These garnishes keep the dish feeling fresh and vibrant on the plate.
Side Dishes
Pair this grilled Cuban chicken with classic Cuban sides like black beans and rice or a simple Cuban-style plantain to round out the meal perfectly. A crisp green salad or grilled vegetables work wonderfully too, offering a refreshing balance to the spicy, smoky chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving sliced grilled chicken atop a bed of warm quinoa or stuffing it into soft tortillas with slaw for handheld Cuban chicken tacos. You can also make it the centerpiece of a colorful rice bowl with avocado, grilled corn, and a drizzle of chimichurri. The possibilities with this versatile Grilled Cuban Chicken Recipe are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making it great for quick lunches or adding protein to salads throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep the grilled Cuban chicken longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without significant loss of flavor or texture, ready to be thawed and enjoyed later.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F until heated through, being careful not to dry it out. Alternatively, a quick microwave session with a splash of water or broth will keep it moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Grilled Cuban Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and an even richer flavor. Just adjust the grilling time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to reach the safe internal temperature.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I make it milder?
The cayenne pepper adds a moderate heat, but you can always reduce or omit it if you prefer a milder dish. The other spices still bring plenty of flavor without the heat.
Is it necessary to marinate for several hours?
While you can marinate for as little as 2 hours, allowing the chicken to soak for 4 to 6 hours really deepens the flavor and tenderizes the meat beautifully, making it worth the extra wait.
Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Yes, you can use a grill pan or cook the chicken under a broiler. Just keep an eye on the chicken to get nice caramelization while ensuring it’s cooked through without drying out.
What can I do with leftover marinade?
Since the marinade has been in contact with raw chicken, it’s not safe to use as a sauce unless you boil it thoroughly first to kill any bacteria. Alternatively, make a fresh batch of marinade or whip up a simple salsa or chimichurri to serve alongside the chicken.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the magic of this Grilled Cuban Chicken Recipe when you want to bring some sunshine and zest into your mealtime. Its vibrant, smoky, and citrus-infused flavors truly capture the heart of Cuban cooking, all while being incredibly simple to prepare. So fire up your grill, gather these easy ingredients, and dive into a taste experience you will want to recreate again and again.
Print
Grilled Cuban Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Cuban
Description
This Grilled Cuban Chicken recipe features juicy, marinated boneless chicken breasts infused with a zesty blend of lime and orange juices, garlic, and traditional Cuban spices. Perfectly grilled to achieve a smoky char and tender interior, this dish is a flavorful and healthy option for a vibrant, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for desired spiciness)
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges, as needed
Instructions
- Preparation: Gather all the ingredients for the marinade and ensure the chicken breasts are ready and thawed if previously frozen.
- Make the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until well blended to create a vibrant marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally 4 to 6 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat.
- Preheat the Grill: When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C). Ensure the grill is hot enough to impart a nice char while preventing burning.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, shaking off any excess liquid, and discard the leftover marinade. Place the chicken on the preheated grill and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side, flipping once. Grill until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Rest and Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken to a platter and let it rest for about 5 minutes so the juices redistribute evenly. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges to add an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours or overnight to maximize flavor.
- If you do not have a grill, the chicken can also be cooked on a grill pan over medium-high heat on the stovetop.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to tailor the spiciness to your preference.
- Letting the chicken rest after grilling keeps it moist and tender.
- Serve with rice, black beans, or a fresh salad for a complete Cuban-inspired meal.
