
Cuban Citrus-Marinated Roast Chicken with Garlic Mojo
A zesty and flavorful Cuban classic
This Cuban-inspired roasted chicken is marinated in a blend of citrus and spices, then roasted to perfection and served with a robust garlic mojo sauce.
- 2 h 30 min
- 4
- Intermediate
Ingredients
For the Marinade
For the Chicken
For the Garlic Mojo
Nutrition
These are estimates, not dietary advice.
Per serving (estimated)
- Calories
- 625 kcal
- Protein
- 41.6 g
- Carbs
- 11.1 g
- Fat
- 47.7 g
- Fiber
- 1.2 g
Full recipe (estimated)
- Calories
- 2498 kcal
- Protein
- 166.3 g
- Carbs
- 44.4 g
- Fat
- 190.7 g
- Fiber
- 4.6 g
By ingredient
| Ingredient | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh orange juice1/2 cup | 56 kcal | 1 g | 13 g | 0.2 g | 0.2 g |
| Fresh lime juice1/4 cup | 15 kcal | 0.3 g | 5 g | 0.1 g | 0.1 g |
| Garlic4 cloves, minced | 18 kcal | 0.8 g | 4 g | 0.1 g | 0.2 g |
| Olive oil1/4 cup | 480 kcal | 0 g | 0 g | 54 g | 0 g |
| Ground cumin1 tablespoon | 22 kcal | 1.1 g | 2.7 g | 1.3 g | 0.6 g |
| Dried oregano1 tablespoon | 9 kcal | 0.3 g | 2 g | 0.3 g | 1.4 g |
| Salt and pepperTo taste | 0 kcal | 0 g | 0 g | 0 g | 0 g |
| Whole chicken1 (about 4 lbs), cleaned and patted dry | 1344 kcal | 160 g | 0 g | 80 g | 0 g |
| Paprika2 teaspoons | 12 kcal | 0.6 g | 2.4 g | 0.6 g | 1.2 g |
| Olive oil1/4 cup | 480 kcal | 0 g | 0 g | 54 g | 0 g |
| Garlic10 cloves, thinly sliced | 45 kcal | 1.8 g | 10 g | 0.2 g | 0.6 g |
| Fresh lime juice1/4 cup | 15 kcal | 0.3 g | 5 g | 0.1 g | 0.1 g |
| Dried oregano1/2 teaspoon | 2 kcal | 0.1 g | 0.3 g | 0.1 g | 0.2 g |
| SaltTo taste | 0 kcal | 0 g | 0 g | 0 g | 0 g |
Preparation
Marinating the Chicken
Combine Marinade Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken in a resealable bag or large bowl and pour the marinade over it.
Refrigerate
Seal the bag or cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Preparing the Garlic Mojo
Heat Oil
In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Sauté Garlic
Add the sliced garlic and sauté until golden, about 2-3 minutes.
Finish Mojo
Stir in the lime juice, oregano, and salt. Remove from heat and set aside.
Cooking Process
Roasting the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Marinade Infusion
Brush the chicken with paprika and additional marinade before placing it in the oven.
Basting
Baste the chicken with pan drippings every 20 minutes throughout the roasting process.
Roasting Time
Roast the chicken for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until cooked through and juices run clear.
Plating & Serving

Cuban Citrus-Marinated Roast Chicken with Garlic Mojo
Cuban Citrus-Marinated Roast Chicken with Garlic Mojo
Plating & Serving
Place the roasted chicken on a large platter, drizzle with the garlic mojo sauce, and serve with lime wedges for an extra citrus kick.
Sauce Pairings
Garnishes & Accompaniments
Perfect Sides
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance.
Are there any substitutions for citrus in the marinade?
You can substitute with vinegar or additional lime juice if necessary.
Can I use chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, adjust cooking time as needed for smaller pieces.
Is it possible to freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes, freeze the chicken in the marinade for up to 3 months. Thaw before cooking.
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Further reading & resources
Curated links to learn more, find ingredients, or explore related content.
