We’ve discovered that one of the standout dishes is Cuban Extra Spicy Mojo Chicken, especially when you amp up the spice.
Cuban food is known for its lively flavors and vibrant ingredients, making it a favorite for many.
This Cuban Extra Spicy Mojo Chicken Recipe combines tangy citrus with a kick that will surely tantalize your taste buds.
As we traveled through Cuba, we fell in love with the rich culinary traditions that bring the island’s culture to life.
The combination of garlic, citrus, and spices in this dish gives it a unique flavor that’s hard to resist.
When cooked, the chicken becomes tender, juicy, and packed with zesty goodness that pairs perfectly with rice and beans or a fresh salad.
Join us as we share our favorite way to make this dish pop with extra heat.
With just a few ingredients, you can turn a simple meal into an exciting culinary adventure right in your own kitchen.
Get ready to enjoy a taste of Cuba, no matter where you are!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
We absolutely adore this Cuban Extra Spicy Mojo Chicken Recipe. It’s a fantastic way to add excitement to our dinner table.
The marinade is a game-changer. It blends citrus, garlic, and spices that really make the chicken pop with flavor.
Here are a few reasons to love this dish:
- Healthy and Nutritious: Made with fresh ingredients, it’s high in protein and low in saturated fat.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy nights. It takes just about 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Versatile: We can cook it on the grill, in a skillet, or in the oven, depending on what we feel like!
We also enjoy the heat that comes from the spices. The extra kick is perfect for those who love a bit of spice in their meals.
Pairing this dish with traditional Cuban sides like black beans or rice enhances the meal experience.
In short, it’s a flavorful, healthy dish that brings a bit of Cuba into our kitchen. We believe that it’s the perfect recipe to spice up our weeknight dinners!
What Makes This Recipe Special
What sets our Cuban Extra Spicy Mojo Chicken apart is the unique blend of flavors. The marinade combines citrus juices, garlic, and a mix of spices that create a vibrant taste.
We love using fresh ingredients. The orange and lime juice adds brightness, while the garlic gives depth. Adding chili peppers brings the heat, making every bite exciting.
This recipe is simple yet packed with authentic Cuban flair. It showcases the essence of Cuban cuisine, which is known for its bold flavors and vibrant ingredients.
We appreciate how it pairs perfectly with rice and beans for a hearty meal.
Here’s what you’ll find in our marinade:
- Citrus: Fresh orange and lime juice enhance tanginess.
- Garlic: Minced for that strong aroma and flavor.
- Chilie peppers: Add the extra kick for spice lovers.
- Herbs: Cilantro brings a refreshing twist.
We enjoy how versatile this recipe can be. Whether you grill, bake, or roast, you’ll end up with tender, juicy chicken every time. Plus, it’s perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners.
Cuban recipes like this one highlight how food can bring people together. We love sharing dishes that tell a story and honor culinary traditions.
Cooking Equipment Needed
To make our Cuban Extra Spicy Mojo Chicken, we will need some essential cooking tools. Here’s a list to get you started:
- Mixing Bowl: A large bowl will help us mix the marinade well.
- Whisk or Fork: This is useful for blending all ingredients together smoothly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key, so make sure we have these handy for measuring ingredients.
For cooking, we recommend having:
- Baking Dish or Grill: Depending on our cooking method, a dish for the oven or a grill will work best.
- Instant-Read Thermometer: To ensure the chicken reaches the perfect temperature of 165°F.
Extra tools that simplify the process:
- Plastic Wrap: This keeps our marinated chicken covered while it sits in the fridge.
- Tongs: Handy for flipping and handling the chicken on the grill or in a pan.
Finally, don’t forget:
- Cutting Board and Knife: These are essential for prepping our ingredients before cooking.
Ingredients Needed for the Cuban Extra Spicy Mojo Chicken Recipe
Mojo marinade
Garlic cloves peeled
Shallot roughly chopped
Kosher salt
Grated orange zest
Grated lime zest
Ground cumin
Dried oregano
Freshly ground black pepper
Freshly squeezed orange juice
Freshly squeezed lime juice
Extra virgin olive oil
Chicken
Chicken thighs
Kosher salt
Instructions For Preparing the Cuban Extra Spicy Mojo Chicken Recipe
Marinate the Chicken
Blend all marinade ingredients until smooth. Reserve ⅓ cup for dipping (it must not touch raw chicken). Toss the chicken with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt and the remaining marinade, then refrigerate for at least an hour or up to a day.
Oven Roasting
Preheat the oven to 400°F (convection) or 425°F (non-convection) with the rack in the middle. Arrange the chicken skin-side down on a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 20 minutes, then flip skin-side up, rotate the tray 180°, and cook for another 15 to 25 minutes until the skin is crispy and a thermometer reads at least 165°F for thighs or 150°F to 155°F for breasts.
Air Frying
Place chicken in a single layer in a 400°F air fryer, starting skin-side down. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway. Check for crispy skin and an internal temperature of 165°F for thighs or 150°F to 155°F for breasts. Cook in batches if needed.
Grilling
Preheat the grill to high, then reduce to low once the chicken is on the grates. Grill for about 25 minutes, turning every 5-7 minutes, until the chicken reaches at least 165°F for thighs or 150°F to 155°F for breasts. Allow the chicken to release naturally before flipping to keep the crispy skin intact.
Serve
Enjoy your Cuban Extra Spicy Mojo Chicken with the reserved dipping sauce!
Cuban Extra Spicy Mojo Chicken Recipe Cooking Tips
• Use bone-in chicken pieces for richer flavor and juicier texture.
• Mojo marinade traditionally combines garlic, sour orange juice, lime juice, and olive oil.
• Marinate the chicken for several hours so the citrus and spices fully penetrate the meat.
• Scotch bonnet, habanero, or jalapeño peppers can add intense heat and bold flavor.
• Cumin, oregano, paprika, and black pepper create authentic Cuban seasoning.
• Fresh garlic adds strong aroma and depth to the marinade.
• Roast, grill, or bake the chicken over medium heat for even cooking.
• Baste occasionally with extra mojo sauce to help keep the chicken moist.
• Avoid overcooking because spicy marinades can dry out chicken quickly.
• Onion slices and peppers add sweetness that balances the heat.
• Lime wedges add brightness and help balance the spice before serving.
• Let the chicken rest briefly after cooking so the juices redistribute.
• Fresh cilantro or parsley can brighten the finished dish.
• Serve hot with rice, black beans, yuca, or fried plantains for a traditional meal.
Cuban Extra Spicy Mojo Chicken Recipe Storage Tips
• Allow the chicken to cool before transferring it into storage containers.
• Store the chicken and mojo sauce together to help maintain moisture and flavor.
• Spicy mojo chicken often tastes richer after resting overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheat gently over low heat or in the oven to help keep the chicken tender.
• Add a small splash of broth or reserved mojo sauce during reheating if the chicken seems dry.
• Chili and citrus flavors may become stronger after storage, which is normal.
• Store rice, beans, or side dishes separately from the chicken.
• Freeze leftovers in tightly sealed freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Wrap portions carefully to help reduce freezer burn during freezing.
• Defrost frozen chicken gradually in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Crispy skin may soften slightly after refrigeration over time.
• Fresh herbs or lime wedges should be added after reheating for brighter flavor.
• Use clean utensils when handling leftovers to help maintain freshness.
• Discard leftovers if the chicken develops sour odors, sliminess, or unusual discoloration.
Cuban Extra Spicy Mojo Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 garlic cloves peeled
- 1 shallot medium roughly chopped
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons orange zest grated
- 2 teaspoons lime zest grated
- 1½ teaspoons cumin ground
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- ½ teaspoon black pepper Freshly ground
- ½ cup orange juice freshly squeezed
- ⅓ cup lime juice freshly squeezed
- ⅓ cup olive oil extra virgin
- 3 pounds chicken thighs
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
Instructions
- Blend all marinade ingredients until smooth. Reserve ⅓ cup for dipping (it must not touch raw chicken). Toss the chicken with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt and the remaining marinade, then refrigerate for at least an hour or up to a day.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (convection) or 425°F (non-convection) with the rack in the middle. Arrange the chicken skin-side down on a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 20 minutes, then flip skin-side up, rotate the tray 180°, and cook for another 15 to 25 minutes until the skin is crispy and a thermometer reads at least 165°F for thighs or 150°F to 155°F for breasts.
- Place chicken in a single layer in a 400°F air fryer, starting skin-side down. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway. Check for crispy skin and an internal temperature of 165°F for thighs or 150°F to 155°F for breasts. Cook in batches if needed.
- Preheat the grill to high, then reduce to low once the chicken is on the grates. Grill for about 25 minutes, turning every 5-7 minutes, until the chicken reaches at least 165°F for thighs or 150°F to 155°F for breasts. Allow the chicken to release naturally before flipping to keep the crispy skin intact.
- Enjoy your Cuban Extra Spicy Mojo Chicken with the reserved dipping sauce!
FAQs For the Cuban Extra Spicy Mojo Chicken Recipe
Question: What makes a Cuban Extra Spicy Mojo Chicken Recipe different from traditional mojo chicken?
A: A Cuban Extra Spicy Mojo Chicken Recipe includes additional spicy ingredients like extra garlic, hot peppers, or red pepper flakes to give it a fiery kick compared to the traditional version.
Question: What type of chili peppers work best in a Cuban Extra Spicy Mojo Chicken Recipe?
A: A Cuban Extra Spicy Mojo Chicken Recipe can be made using habanero, serrano, or cayenne peppers to enhance the heat while complementing the citrusy mojo marinade.
Question: How long should I marinate chicken for a Cuban Extra Spicy Mojo Chicken Recipe?
A: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight, to let the bold and spicy flavors of the Cuban Extra Spicy Mojo Chicken recipe fully infuse.
Question: Can I make a Cuban Extra Spicy Mojo Chicken Recipe on the grill?
A: Yes, grilling a Cuban Extra Spicy Mojo Chicken Recipe adds a smoky char that enhances the citrus and spice flavors, making it a delicious option for outdoor cooking.
Question: What sides pair well with a Cuban Extra Spicy Mojo Chicken Recipe?
A: A Cuban Extra Spicy Mojo Chicken Recipe pairs well with white rice, black beans, sweet plantains, or a fresh avocado salad to balance the heat with refreshing flavors.
Recipes are gathered in person and written for real-world cooking conditions.
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1 comment
The extra spice in this Mojo Chicken added the perfect kick! The citrus and garlic balanced out the heat beautifully, and the chicken was juicy and tender. Served with rice and grilled vegetables, it was a hit. My guests loved the bold flavors and said the spice level was just right!