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5 from 3 votes

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!
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Roast chicken
Cuisine: Cuban
Keyword: chicken recipes, mojo chicken, roast chicken
Servings: 4
Author: Tatiana

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

Calories: 504kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 193mg | Sodium: 484mg | Sugar: 3g