Description
This Juicy Cuban Grilled Chicken recipe is perfect for easy summer dinners. Marinated in a vibrant blend of fresh orange and lime juices, garlic, and olive oil, the chicken breasts are grilled to tender, flavorful perfection. Served alongside traditional Cuban sides like black beans, rice, sautéed onions, and fresh salad, this dish offers a refreshing and satisfying meal with classic Cuban flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Marinade
- 4 pieces Chicken breasts (Substitute with chicken thighs for added moisture.)
- 1/2 cup Orange juice (Fresh juice is recommended.)
- 1/4 cup Lime juice (Adjust levels to taste.)
- 4 cloves Garlic (Minced fresh cloves enhance flavor.)
- 1/4 cup Olive oil (Can substitute with vegetable or avocado oil.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Preferably sea salt or kosher salt.)
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper (Freshly ground black pepper yields better flavor.)
Sides
- 1 cup Sliced cooked onions (Adds sweetness and texture.)
- 2 cups Cooked rice (Complements the dish nicely.)
- 1 cup Black beans (A classic side with Cuban flavors.)
- 1 cup Fresh salad (A refreshing balance to the meal.)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into a resealable plastic bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, seal the bag tightly, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Preheat the Grill: When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This should take about 10 minutes to ensure the grill grates are hot and ready for cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels to prevent flare-ups. Grill the chicken for approximately 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the meat is cooked through with nice grill marks.
- Rest and Serve: Once grilled, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve warm alongside sliced cooked onions, cooked rice, black beans, and a fresh salad for a complete Cuban-inspired meal.
Notes
- For extra moist chicken, consider using chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Freshly squeezed orange and lime juices provide the best authentic flavor.
- Patting the chicken dry before grilling helps achieve good sear marks and prevents excessive smoke.
- Using a meat thermometer ensures the chicken is safely cooked without drying out.
- Feel free to customize the sides with your favorite Cuban-inspired vegetables or add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for garnish.
