Dinner

Easy Mojo Chicken Recipe

ByLuna Ryder October 23, 2025October 23, 2025

Introduction

Easy Mojo Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish inspired by Cuban cuisine. This marinade blends fresh citrus, herbs, and garlic to create tender, juicy chicken perfect for grilling. It’s a simple recipe that brings bright, zesty flavors to your dinner table.

A white bowl filled with grilled chicken pieces that have char marks and are topped with a green sauce. The chicken is garnished with fresh green cilantro leaves and surrounded by thin slices of bright orange and light green lime. In the bottom right corner, there is a small white bowl with more green sauce and a spoon inside it. The background is a white marbled surface with cilantro sprigs and halved limes and oranges placed around the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 cloves garlic, peeled
1 medium shallot, peeled and roughly chopped
½ cup cilantro leaves, packed (plus more for serving)
2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, packed
3 teaspoons kosher salt, or more to taste
1½ teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 large orange, zested
1 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
⅓ cup lime juice, freshly squeezed
1 large lime, zested
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
3 pounds chicken thighs, boneless and skinless

Instructions

Step 1: In a blender, combine all the marinade ingredients and blend until smooth. Pour ⅓ cup of the marinade into a small bowl and set aside for the dipping sauce.
Step 2: Place the chicken in a gallon-sized ziplock bag, add the remaining marinade, and toss to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least one hour, up to 24 hours for more flavor.
Step 3: When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the fridge and let it come to room temperature. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
Step 4: Grill the chicken for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.
Step 5: While the chicken cooks, pour the reserved sauce into a non-stick skillet and reduce over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes until thickened.
Step 6: Remove the chicken from the grill and transfer to a serving platter. Drizzle with the reduced sauce, sprinkle with cilantro leaves, and add lime wedges on the side. Serve with lime cilantro rice, beans, and salad.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, cook the chicken over charcoal instead of gas.
If you can’t find fresh mint, substitute with fresh parsley or omit it.
Use chicken breasts if preferred, adjusting grilling time to avoid drying out.
Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor infusion.

Storage

Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to keep it moist.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled with grilled chicken pieces that have a slightly charred texture and a golden-brown color. The chicken is topped with a green herb sauce and fresh cilantro leaves scattered on top. There are thin slices of lime and orange placed both inside the bowl mixed with the chicken, and around the edges. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with some fresh cilantro and halved limes and oranges nearby. A small white bowl with extra green sauce and a silver spoon is placed close to the main bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Yes, you can cook the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes or pan-sear it on the stove over medium-high heat until cooked through.