There is something irresistibly vibrant about this Grilled Cuban Chicken Recipe that brings the spirit of the Caribbean right to your backyard grill. Bursting with citrusy brightness from fresh lime and orange juice, and kissed with smoky, earthy spices, this dish transforms simple chicken breasts into a succulent, flavor-packed adventure. Whether you’re grilling for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a weekend cookout, this recipe promises juicy, perfectly charred chicken that’s both easy to make and unforgettable to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Grilled Cuban Chicken Recipe lies in its beautifully balanced ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—from the fresh citrus juices that tenderize and infuse brightness, to the robust spices that deepen the flavor and the olive oil that ensures the perfect char on the grill.
- Freshly squeezed lime juice (1/4 cup): Adds tangy brightness and helps tenderize the chicken, creating a juicy texture.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice (1/4 cup): Offers a subtle sweetness that balances the spices and enhances depth of flavor.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Keeps the marinade smooth and helps the chicken brown beautifully without sticking.
- Garlic, minced (4 cloves): Brings a fragrant pungency that rounds out the marinade’s complexity.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Delivers a warm, earthy undertone that’s signature to Cuban cooking.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Imparts a smoky depth that mimics the grill’s natural char.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Adds a mildly herbaceous brightness that lifts the flavor profile.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances and ties all the flavors together to perfection.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Provides subtle heat and sharpness without overpowering.
- Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adjust this for a mild kick or more heat, depending on your spice preference.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4 pieces): The perfect lean protein to soak up the bright marinade and grill to juicy perfection.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (1/4 cup): A fresh, vibrant garnish that adds color and herbaceous lift.
- Lime wedges: For serving, adding an extra citrus zing just before eating.
How to Make Grilled Cuban Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper together in a medium bowl. This lively blend is where all your flavor foundations come together to give the chicken its unmistakable Cuban character.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into a large resealable bag or dish and pour the marinade over them, making sure each piece is generously coated. Seal the bag or cover and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. If you can wait 4 to 6 hours, even better! This wait time allows the chicken to absorb those bright citrus notes and complex spices thoroughly.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Get your grill fired up to medium-high heat, aiming for about 375°F to 400°F. This heat level is perfect to get a beautiful sear while locking in the juicy flavors inside the chicken.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Take the chicken out of the marinade, giving it a gentle shake to remove excess liquid, and discard the remaining marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook it for 6 to 7 minutes on each side. You’ll want to keep an eye on it and use a meat thermometer if you have one to check for that perfect doneness of 165°F. When the juices run clear and you see those lovely grill marks, your chicken is ready!
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Transfer the grilled chicken to a serving plate and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This little pause allows the juices to settle and stay wonderfully moist. Just before serving, sprinkle the chicken with freshly chopped cilantro and offer lime wedges on the side to squeeze over for an extra fresh punch.
How to Serve Grilled Cuban Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is a classic and bright finishing touch that complements the smoky and citrusy flavors beautifully. Adding lime wedges on the side encourages guests to personalize their tangy zing, enhancing the overall flavor experience.
Side Dishes
This grilled delight pairs wonderfully with traditional Cuban sides like black beans and rice, sweet plantains, or a crisp green salad with avocado. For a simple yet satisfying meal, serve with warm corn tortillas or crusty bread to scoop up every last bit of flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make it extra special? Slice the grilled chicken thinly and layer it in a Cuban sandwich with pickles, Swiss cheese, and mustard. Or create a vibrant grain bowl with quinoa, avocado, roasted veggies, and a drizzle of your leftover marinade as dressing. This versatility means the Grilled Cuban Chicken Recipe shines both at the grill and as part of creative meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, place the grilled chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it well sealed preserves the vibrant citrus and spice flavors while maintaining juicy tenderness.
Freezing
You can freeze the grilled chicken by wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen grilled chicken lasts about 2 to 3 months without losing much flavor or texture, making it a handy meal prep option.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave it with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Avoid overheating to keep the meat tender and juicy, just like freshly grilled.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully with this marinade and grilling method. They remain juicy and flavorful, and you might find their richer taste a perfect match for the bold Cuban spices.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For best results, marinate for at least 2 hours, but 4 to 6 hours is ideal. This time frame allows the marinade to deeply penetrate the chicken for maximum flavor without turning the meat mushy.
Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Yes, you can cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or bake it in the oven at 400°F until fully cooked, about 20-25 minutes depending on thickness. While you’ll miss the smoky char from an outdoor grill, the vibrant marinade will still shine through.
What if I don’t have fresh citrus juice?
Freshly squeezed lime and orange juice give the freshest, brightest flavors. However, you can use bottled juice in a pinch—just try to find ones with no added sugar or preservatives for the most authentic taste.
Is this recipe spicy?
The use of cayenne pepper adds a mild warmth, but it’s very adjustable. Feel free to reduce or omit the cayenne for a milder dish, or increase it if you love a bit of heat in your Grilled Cuban Chicken Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with sunshine and smoky depths, you simply must try this Grilled Cuban Chicken Recipe. It’s approachable, satisfying, and filled with the kind of vibrant flavors that’ll have you dreaming of your next cookout. Light up your grill, gather your ingredients, and share a taste of Cuba that’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
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 tender boneless chicken breasts marinated in a zesty mixture of lime and orange juice, garlic, and a blend of aromatic spices. The chicken is grilled to perfection, offering juicy, flavorful meat with a smoky char, complemented perfectly by fresh cilantro and lime wedges. It’s an easy and vibrant meal inspired by authentic Cuban flavors, ideal for summer cookouts or a delicious family dinner.
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: 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 the marinade.
- Marinating the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well 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 fully infuse the chicken.
- Preheating the Grill: When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C), ensuring it’s hot enough to impart a nice char without burning.
- Grilling the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess liquid, and discard the remaining marinade. Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side. Grill until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Resting and Serving: Transfer the grilled chicken to a platter and let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges for added zest and flavor.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to 6 hours) enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Be careful not to burn the chicken by grilling on medium-high heat rather than high heat.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper, or omit it for milder flavor.
- This recipe pairs well with rice, black beans, or a fresh green salad for a complete Cuban-inspired meal.
