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 mins
Cook Time1 hour hr
Total Time1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
Course: Roast chicken
Cuisine: Cuban
Keyword: chicken recipes, mojo chicken, roast chicken
Servings: 4
Author: Tatiana
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
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!
Calories: 504kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 193mg | Sodium: 484mg | Sugar: 3g