If you’re craving a sandwich that bursts with vibrant citrus flavors and gooey melted cheese, then the Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich Recipe is about to be your new go-to. This sandwich balances tender chicken marinated in a zesty mojo sauce with sharp Swiss cheese, tangy pickles, and that irresistibly crisp, buttery crust that Cuban sandwiches are famous for. It’s an absolute flavor fiesta wrapped up in a perfectly toasted roll, sure to brighten any lunch or dinner occasion. Trust me, once you make this Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich Recipe, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create layers of flavor and texture that make the Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich Recipe shine. Each component plays a crucial role, from the citrusy marinade that tenderizes the chicken to the creamy Swiss cheese that melts beautifully inside the sandwich.
- Fresh orange juice: Provides bright citrus sweetness that’s key to the mojo marinade’s zing.
- Fresh lime juice: Adds a sharp, tangy punch that balances the richness of the chicken.
- Garlic, minced: Offers a warm, aromatic depth to the marinade’s flavor profile.
- Olive oil: Ensures a smooth marinade that keeps the chicken juicy and packed with flavor.
- Ground cumin: Brings an earthy, smoky note that enriches the marinade.
- Dried oregano: Adds a subtle herbal touch that complements the citrus perfectly.
- Salt and black pepper: Basics that enhance all the flavors harmoniously.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little heat to contrast the bright marinade.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, tenderized and flavored by the mojo marinade.
- Swiss cheese slices: Melts into creamy goodness, balancing the tangy pickles.
- Sandwich rolls or Cuban bread: The crispy, buttery vehicle that holds all the delicious fillings.
- Yellow mustard: Spread liberally for classic sharpness on every bite.
- Sliced pickles: Adds crunch and a tart bite that cuts through the richness.
- Butter: Used to grill and toast the sandwich to golden perfection.
How to Make Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mojo Marinade
Start by whisking together the fresh orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, ground cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a little kick. This vibrant marinade is the heart of the recipe, infusing the chicken with zesty, aromatic flavors that are absolutely addictive.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place those boneless chicken breasts into a shallow dish or a resealable bag and pour your mojo marinade all over. Seal it up and let it chill in the fridge for at least one hour. This marinade time is where the magic happens—each juicy bite of chicken will have layers of citrus and spice that come from this soak.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Fire up your grill or a grill pan to medium heat and place the chicken on it. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side until the internal temperature hits a safe 165°F. When the chicken is perfectly grilled and full of those mojo flavors, remove it and let it rest a few minutes before slicing thin. Resting keeps the juices locked in—no one likes a dry sandwich!
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich
Grab your sandwich rolls or Cuban bread and spread yellow mustard on the insides. On each bottom half, lay down the sliced mojo chicken, then top with Swiss cheese and a generous handful of pickle slices. The combination of creamy cheese with that tangy crunch and bold mustard is straight-up magic.
Step 5: Grill the Sandwich
Butter up a skillet or grill pan on medium heat and carefully press the assembled sandwich down in the pan. Grill it for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until the bread turns a perfect golden brown and the cheese melts into gooey perfection. That crispy exterior and melty inside is what makes this more than just any sandwich.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Pull the sandwich off the heat, slice it in half, and savor it while warm. This Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich Recipe produces a wonderfully satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor at every bite.
How to Serve Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple with a few sprigs of fresh cilantro or a wedge of lime on the side for squeezing over. Those little touches brighten up the dish visually and add a refreshing contrast to the rich sandwich.
Side Dishes
Crisp, golden plantain chips or a light tropical slaw with cabbage and mango make perfect companions here. They bring texture and complementary tropical flavors that keep the meal balanced and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the sandwich into smaller sliders for a fun party platter or serve alongside pickled vegetables for an extra tangy punch. Wrapping it in parchment paper adds a charming rustic vibe and keeps everything tidy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil or place in an airtight container in the fridge. The sandwich will hold well for up to two days, though the bread might lose a bit of its crispness.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the grilled chicken separately from the bread. Freeze in a sealed container or bag for up to three months. Bread is better fresh but can be frozen separately and toasted later.
Reheating
Reheat the sandwich on a skillet over low heat with a little butter to restore that wonderful crispy crust and melted cheese. Microwaving tends to make the bread soggy, so avoid that if possible.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of Swiss?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese offers a mild, nutty flavor perfect for this sandwich, you can try provolone or mozzarella for a slightly different melt and taste.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
The chicken benefits from at least 1 hour of marinating to absorb the mojo flavors fully, but no more than 4 hours to prevent the citrus from breaking down the meat too much.
Can I make this sandwich without a grill?
Yes! Use a grill pan or even a regular skillet on the stovetop to cook the chicken and press the sandwich. A panini press works great, too.
Is the red pepper flakes’ heat optional?
Yes, the red pepper flakes add a nice subtle heat, but you can omit them if you prefer a milder sandwich. It’s delicious either way!
What type of bread is best for this sandwich?
Traditional Cuban bread is ideal for an authentic experience, but soft sandwich rolls or a sturdy baguette can work well too.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich Recipe is a fantastic way to bring bold Cuban flavors right to your kitchen without fuss. Whether for a casual lunch or a weekend dinner, it’s sure to earn rave reviews from family and friends. So dive in, savor every juicy, tangy, cheesy bite, and make this sandwich your new favorite culinary adventure!
Print
Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes plus 1-4 hours marinating
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Cuban
Description
This Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich recipe features tender, marinated chicken infused with a zesty mojo marinade of citrus juices and spices. Grilled to perfection and layered with Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread or sandwich rolls, then pressed and grilled until golden and melty, this sandwich offers a delicious taste of Cuban-inspired flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Mojo Marinade:
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For the Sandwich:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 sandwich rolls or Cuban bread
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard
- 1/2 cup sliced pickles
- Butter, for grilling
Instructions
- Make the Mojo Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to create the flavorful mojo marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag, pour the mojo marinade over them ensuring they are fully coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours to allow the chicken to soak up the flavors.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill each breast for 6-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread yellow mustard evenly on the inside of each sandwich roll. Layer grilled mojo chicken slices, Swiss cheese, and pickle slices on the bottom half of each roll.
- Grill the Sandwich: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter. Place the assembled sandwich in the pan and press down slightly. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, creating a deliciously crispy exterior.
- Serve: Remove the sandwich from the pan, cut in half, and serve warm for a satisfying Cuban-style meal.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for at least 1 hour for best flavor; do not exceed 4 hours to prevent the citrus from breaking down the meat excessively.
- If Cuban bread is unavailable, use crusty sandwich rolls or hoagie buns as substitutes.
- For a spicier sandwich, add extra red pepper flakes to the marinade or include jalapeño slices in the sandwich.
- Use a panini press if available for easier sandwich grilling and pressing.
- Allow chicken to rest after grilling to keep it juicy and tender when sliced.
