Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Totally! Just make sure they’re boneless and pounded to an even thickness for best results.

What can I serve with this?

Rice and black beans are the classic Cuban combo. But this also pairs beautifully with roasted veggies, plantains, or a simple avocado salad.

How do I store leftovers?

Let the chicken cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It reheats well in a skillet or microwave.

Can I grill it instead of pan-frying?

Absolutely! This recipe adapts well to the grill. Just grease the grates and cook 2–3 minutes per side.

Cuban Chicken That Sizzles with Love: 3-Step Pollo a la Plancha

Description

This Cuban Pollo a la Plancha is a quick and flavorful chicken dish featuring citrusy mojo marinade, homemade sazon completa, and a golden pan-sear. Served with sautéed onions and rice, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner full of bold, bright Cuban flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ cup mojo marinade (homemade or store-bought)
2 tbsp homemade sazon completa (or store-bought Cuban seasoning blend)
1 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable, avocado, or canola)
1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional)
1 medium yellow or white onion, thinly sliced (optional topping)
Fresh chopped cilantro (optional garnish)
Lime wedges, for serving
Cooked white rice, for serving

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Instructions

Tenderize the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound each piece until about ¼ inch thick.
Marinate:
Transfer the chicken to a shallow dish. Pour the mojo marinade over the chicken and sprinkle both sides with sazon completa. Let it marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat oil (and butter, if using) in a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess. Cook in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through.
Optional Onions:
In the same skillet, sauté sliced onions for 5–7 minutes until caramelized. Serve over the chicken.
Serve:
Plate chicken over a bed of rice, top with onions and chopped cilantro. Add lime wedges on the side.

Notes

Don’t skip pounding the chicken—it ensures even cooking and maximum juiciness.
The homemade sazon completa can be stored in an airtight jar for later use.
This dish pairs beautifully with rice, black beans, or fried plantains.
For a grilled version, simply cook the marinated chicken on a hot outdoor grill instead of the pan.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Pan-Seared / Griddled
Cuisine: cuban

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast + onions + rice
Calories: 410 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 560 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 26 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 38 g
Cholesterol: 115 mg