Description
This vibrant Mojo Chicken Marinade recipe infuses tender chicken breasts with a zesty blend of citrus juices, garlic, and bold spices. Marinated for several hours, the chicken absorbs bright flavors that are beautifully balanced and perfect for grilling, resulting in a juicy and flavorful main dish ideal for any casual gathering or weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- â…“ cup lime juice
- â…“ cup lemon juice
- â…“ cup orange juice
- 1½ Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ¾ tsp ground cumin
- 1 bay leaf
- salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup salsa
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
Chicken
- 4 to 6 chicken breasts
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, lemon juice, orange juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, bay leaf, salsa, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place 4 to 6 chicken breasts in a large Ziplock bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, seal the bag tightly, and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours to allow the flavors to infuse deeply into the meat.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and discard the bay leaf. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, then grill the chicken breasts until they reach an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC), usually about 6-8 minutes per side depending on thickness, ensuring they are cooked through and juicy.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours and up to 4 hours but avoid marinating longer as the citrus can start breaking down the texture too much.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or bake it in the oven at 400ºF for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Remove the bay leaf before grilling as it is not meant to be eaten.
- Use fresh garlic for a more robust flavor if possible.
- This marinade also works well for other proteins like pork or shrimp.
