Name: Mojo Chicken
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 90 min
Ingredients: zest of 1 orange; zest of 1 lime; ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed ); ¼ cup lime juice (freshly squeezed ); ¼ cup olive oil; 7-8 garlic cloves (minced); 1 teaspoon cumin powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste); ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves (chopped); 1 whole chicken ((approximately 3.5 pounds / 1.5 kg), giblets and neck removed); salt & pepper (to taste); ½ orange (for stuffing)

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Crispy, juicy, and packed with zesty Cuban-inspired flavors—this Mojo Chicken is all about that perfect balance of citrus, garlic, and warm spices. The marinade does all the work, infusing every bite with bright, bold flavors before roasting the chicken.

Be sure to check out our Lemon Garlic Roast Chicken or Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Chicken next!

😍Why You’ll Love This Mojo Chicken

Bold & Zesty – A fresh mix of orange, lime, garlic, and spices makes this chicken incredibly flavorful.
Juicy & Tender – The citrus marinade not only adds flavor but keeps the chicken ultra-moist.
Simple Ingredients – No fancy ingredients needed—just pantry staples and fresh citrus!

✅What You’ll Need

Fresh citrus – Orange and lime juice/zest bring brightness and acidity. Lemon juice works in a pinch, but stick to fresh juice for the best flavor.
Olive oil – Helps the marinade penetrate the chicken. Avocado oil is a good alternative.
Garlic – Freshly minced gives the best aroma, but garlic paste or powder can be used if needed.
Spices – Swap oregano for thyme or cumin for smoked paprika for a twist.
Cilantro – Adds freshness, but if you’re not a fan, flat-leaf parsley makes a good substitute.
Whole chicken – A 3.5 lb (1.5 kg) bird is ideal for even cooking.
½ orange – Stuffed inside for extra moisture and flavor.

🔪How to Make Mojo Chicken

Marinate the Chicken – Whisk together citrus zest, juices, olive oil, garlic, and spices. Pat the chicken dry, season with salt and pepper, and place in a roasting pan. Pour the marinade over it, ensuring full coverage. Stuff ½ orange inside the cavity. Marinate for 30 minutes to overnight.

Roast – Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Roast for 60–70 minutes, basting occasionally. If browning too quickly, tent with foil. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thigh.

How Long to Roast Whole Chicken?

The roasting time for a whole chicken depends on its weight and oven temperature. A general rule is to roast at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes per pound. For a 3.5 lb (1.5 kg) chicken, this means approximately 70–80 minutes. At 400°F (204°C), roasting time decreases slightly to 60–70 minutes. Always check doneness with a meat thermometer—the thickest part of the thigh should reach 165°F (74°C).

🍽️What to Serve with Mojo Chicken

Cilantro Lime Rice – Light, fresh, and the perfect side.
3 Ingredient Guacamole Recipe – Creamy and refreshing.
Garlic Roasted Potatoes – Crispy, golden, and full of flavor, they make a hearty pairing.

🗄️Storage & Leftovers

Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat – Warm in the oven at 350°F or in the air fryer for crispier skin.
Freeze – Shred the chicken and freeze for up to 3 months for easy meal prep!

This Cuban Mojo Chicken is easy, flavorful, and incredibly juicy—perfect for a fuss-free dinner! Let us know if you try it, and don’t forget to pair it with your favorite sides! 😊

Print Recipe

Mojo Chicken

This Mojo Chicken is juicy, zesty, and packed with bold citrus-garlic flavor! Marinated in a vibrant blend of orange, lime, and spices, then roasted for the ultimate Cuban-inspired dish!

Author: Tatiana

Prep Time30

Cook Time1

Total Time1 30

Servings:

Calories: 504kcal

Ingredients

For the Mojo Marinade:

zest of 1 orange
zest of 1 lime
½ cup orange juice freshly squeezed
¼ cup lime juice freshly squeezed
¼ cup olive oil
7-8 garlic cloves minced
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt or to taste
¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves chopped

Chicken

1 whole chicken (approximately 3.5 pounds / 1.5 kg), giblets and neck removed
salt & pepper to taste
½ orange for stuffing

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) °F.
Prepare the chicken: Remove the giblets, trim any excess fat or stray feathers, and rinse the chicken inside and out. Pat thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt & pepper.
Make the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together zest of 1 orange, zest of 1 lime, ½ cup orange juice, ¼ cup lime juice, ¼ cup olive oil, 7-8 garlic cloves (minced), 1 teaspoon cumin powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon salt and ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves (chopped) until well combined.
Stuff & Marinate: Place ½ orange inside the cavity of the chicken to enhance flavor and moisture. Set the chicken in a roasting pan or oven-safe skillet and pour the marinade evenly over it. Let it marinate for 30–60 minutes for maximum flavor.
Roast the chicken: Transfer to the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. If the breast begins to brown too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Continue roasting until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
Remove from the oven, cover with foil, and let the chicken rest for 15 minutes to retain its juices.
Slice and enjoy with your favorite sides!

Nutrition

Course: Roast chicken

Cuisine: Cuban

Keyword: chicken recipes, mojo chicken, roast chicken

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