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Mojo Chicken Recipe

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4.2 from 5 reviews

Mojo Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs marinated in a zesty blend of fresh cilantro, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, and spices. After marinating for over 12 hours, the chicken is baked until juicy and tender with a beautifully caramelized skin, served garnished with fresh cilantro and orange wedges for a delightful citrus punch.

  • Total Time: 13 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 pounds bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (or chicken drumsticks, about 8 pieces total)

Marinade

  • ⅓ cup olive oil
  • ½ cup cilantro (lightly packed)
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • ⅓ cup fresh orange juice
  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice
  • ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 ½ tablespoon chopped fresh mint
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

To Serve

  • 1 orange (cut into wedges)
  • Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: Place olive oil, cilantro, orange zest, orange juice, lime juice, dried oregano, cumin, chopped fresh mint, garlic cloves, salt, and black pepper into a food processor. Blend until the cilantro is finely chopped and the mixture is well combined.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Pour the marinade over the chicken thighs in a large bowl ensuring all pieces are covered. Cover the bowl with cling wrap and refrigerate, allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 12 hours and up to 36 hours for maximum flavor penetration.
  3. Preheat the Oven: When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
  4. Arrange Chicken in Baking Pan: Place the marinated chicken skin side down in a baking dish. Pour any leftover marinade over the chicken, and add orange wedges around the chicken for added citrus aroma and flavor during baking.
  5. Initial Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow it to cook through and begin absorbing the citrus marinade flavors.
  6. Flip and Baste: Remove the baking pan from the oven, carefully turn each piece of chicken skin side up, and spoon pan juices over the top to baste and keep the meat moist.
  7. Final Bake: Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the skin is nicely browned and crisp.
  8. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with the baked orange wedges alongside for a fresh and tangy finish.

Notes

  • Marinating for at least 12 hours allows the flavors to fully penetrate the chicken.
  • Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for juicier, more flavorful results.
  • Turning the chicken halfway during baking helps achieve crispy skin on top.
  • The orange wedges enhance the citrus flavor and can be squeezed over the chicken before serving.
  • For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Caribbean

Find it online: https://yourdailycook.com/mojo-chicken-recipe/