Juicy Spicy Grilled Cuban Chicken: Your New Summer Favorite!
Ah, juicy spicy grilled Cuban chicken! Is there anything better than the sound of marinated chicken sizzling on the grill? It hits all the right notes: savory, tangy, and oh-so-delicious. You’ll find yourself dreaming about those flavors, especially on warm summer evenings. Today, I’ll walk you through a recipe that’s not just flavorful but also super simple to whip up. Let’s dive in!
What Is Juicy Spicy Grilled Cuban Chicken?
Juicy spicy grilled Cuban chicken is a mouthwatering dish that takes your taste buds on a mini-vacation. Think of it as a tropical escape right in your backyard! The boneless chicken thighs soak in a zesty marinade that features garlic, citrus juices, and a medley of spices, giving it that unforgettable Cuban flair. Perfectly grilled, this dish is juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s so versatile that you can serve it with whatever sides you love!
Ingredients Overview for Juicy Spicy Grilled Cuban Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious masterpiece:
- Chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful, they’re perfect for grilling. You can substitute with chicken breasts if you prefer, but thighs pack more flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder works too.
- Onion: Sautéed or raw, onions contribute a sweet and savory depth to the marinade. Shallots also make a great alternative if you have them.
- Orange juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice is ideal for brightening up the dish. You can use store-bought, but fresh is always best!
- Lime juice: The acidity of lime juice balances the sweetness of the orange juice, giving it a lovely tang. Feel free to use lemon juice in a pinch.
- Cumin: This spice gives the chicken a warm, earthy flavor. If you don’t have any, coriander is a nice substitute.
- Oregano: Dry oregano is best, but fresh will work too; just adjust the amount.
- Chili powder: It adds a subtle heat and depth. Paprika or cayenne can be used as alternatives, depending on your spice preference.
- Olive oil: This helps keep the chicken moist while grilling. Canola or avocado oil are great substitutes if needed.
- Salt and pepper: Basic but necessary! Adjust the seasonings to your taste.
How To Make Juicy Spicy Grilled Cuban Chicken
Let’s get into this simple and satisfying process. Follow these steps to get your chicken prepped and sizzling in no time:
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Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix together the garlic, onion, orange juice, lime juice, cumin, oregano, chili powder, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Once you’ve got a lovely marinade, place the chicken thighs in a zip-top bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over them, and seal it up. Pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or even overnight for a flavor-packed experience.
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Preheat the Grill: When you’re ready to grill, turn your grill on to medium-high heat. A good sear will add an extra layer of flavor.
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Grill the Chicken: Take out the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Grill those beauties for about 6-8 minutes on each side, depending on their thickness. You want to reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they’re perfectly cooked.
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Rest and Serve: After grilling, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This step helps keep all the juicy goodness inside. Serve it up with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Juicy spicy grilled Cuban chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. I often go for a refreshing mango salsa, avocado salad, or some fluffy cilantro rice. You could also serve it with grilled veggies for a healthy touch. The best part? This dish goes great in sandwiches, tacos, or even over a bed of greens for a light meal.
Tips For The Perfect Juicy Spicy Grilled Cuban Chicken
- Marinate Longer: If you can, let the chicken marinate overnight. The longer it sits, the more flavor it absorbs!
- Adjust the Heat: Want more spice? Add extra chili powder or some diced jalapeños to the marinade.
- Don’t Skip the Resting: Letting the chicken rest after grilling is super important. It keeps those juices locked in!
- Use a Meat Thermometer: If you’re unsure about doneness, a meat thermometer is your best friend to avoid undercooked or overcooked chicken.
Q&A Section
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, but they tend to be drier than thighs. Just keep an eye on the cooking time.
Q: What can I serve on the side?
A: You can pair this chicken with rice, beans, salads, or even some grilled corn on the cob. The options are endless!
Q: Is this recipe good for meal prep?
A: Yes! You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and grill it for quick meals during the week. Store it properly, and it will last in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Q: Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
A: Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken for a couple of months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before grilling.
Why You’ll Love It
You’ll fall in love with this juicy spicy grilled Cuban chicken because it’s not just a dish; it’s an experience. The zesty marinade creates an explosion of flavors, making every bite exciting. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for gatherings, and can cater to any dietary needs. Plus, you can adapt it to whatever sides your heart desires. You’ll be coming back to this recipe time and time again!
The Fun Behind the Recipe
When I first tried to create this juicy spicy grilled Cuban chicken, I had a little trial and error. My first batch was slightly over-marinated, resulting in some extra tang! But hey, we learn from our kitchen mishaps, right? The next attempt nailed the balance, and I couldn’t get enough of that flavor combination. I’ve made it for family gatherings and backyard barbecues, and it was a hit each time. I truly hope it brings you as much joy as it does for me!
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Juicy Spicy Grilled Cuban Chicken
- Total Time: 136 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A mouthwatering dish featuring marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection with a zesty marinade that includes garlic, citrus juices, and spices.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix garlic, onion, orange juice, lime juice, cumin, oregano, chili powder, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Place chicken thighs in a zip-top bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over them, seal, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and grill for about 6-8 minutes on each side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
Marinate overnight for best flavor. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.
- Prep Time: 120 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Cuban
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg