Go Back

Authentic Cuban Chicken

Juicy chicken simmered in a traditional Cuban garlic and citrus mojo sauce for bold, comforting flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Caribbean, Cuban
Servings 6 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Mixing bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Ingredients
  

  • 3 lbs bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks
  • 8 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 large onion sliced
  • 0.5 cup fresh orange juice
  • 0.25 cup fresh lime juice
  • 0.25 cup olive oil
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1.5 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth

Instructions
 

  • Mix citrus juices, olive oil, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to create marinade.
  • Marinate chicken for at least 1 hour or overnight.
  • Sear chicken in a hot skillet until golden on both sides.
  • Sauté onions in the same pan until soft.
  • Return chicken to pan, add marinade, broth, and bay leaves.
  • Simmer covered for 35–40 minutes until tender.
  • Uncover and reduce sauce slightly before serving.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate overnight and serve with rice and beans.
Keyword authentic Cuban chicken, Cuban chicken recipe, Cuban garlic citrus chicken, pollo a la cubana, traditional Cuban dinner