Description
The Best Cuban Chicken is a quick and flavorful Cuban-inspired chicken recipe featuring thinly pounded chicken breasts marinated in mojo sauce and seasoned with sazon completa. Pan-seared until golden brown and juicy, this easy weeknight dinner pairs perfectly with white rice, black beans, and sweet plantains for a delicious family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup mojo marinade (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 teaspoons homemade sazon completa
- 2–3 tablespoons neutral oil or unsalted butter, for pan frying
- 1 medium onion, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap on a cutting board. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound them to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Transfer the chicken to a shallow dish. Pour the mojo marinade over the chicken and season both sides with sazon completa.
- Let the chicken marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Heat a griddle, grill pan, or large skillet over medium heat. Add the oil or butter.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off.
- Cook the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- If using onions, add them to the same skillet and sauté until softened and lightly caramelized.
- Serve with white rice, black beans, sweet plantains, and fresh lime wedges if desired.
Notes
- Pounding the chicken ensures even cooking and a more tender texture.
- Do not over-marinate, as the citrus in mojo can begin to break down the chicken.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For extra flavor, garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.
- Great for meal prep and easy lunches throughout the week.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Fried / Stovetop
- Cuisine: cuban
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 295 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg