Cuban Chicken with Citrus-Marinated Breasts and Golden Crust
Juicy, tender chicken breasts marinated in zesty citrus and sazón spices, then golden-browned. A 20-minute Caribbean staple with balanced acidity and smoky sweetness, perfect with rice or sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: quick
- Method: Griddling
- Cuisine: Cuban
- Diet: Main Course
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/3 cup mojo marinade (store-bought recommended)
2 teaspoons homemade sazón completa
2–3 tablespoons neutral oil or unsalted butter
Sliced onions, for sautéing (optional)
Instructions
Place chicken between plastic wrap on cutting board
Use meat mallet to pound breasts to ¼-inch thickness
Combine chicken in shallow dish with 1/3 cup mojo marinade and 1 tsp sazón per side
Let marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes (do not refrigerate)
In a griddle, heat 1–1.5 tbsp oil and 1 tbsp butter (if using) over medium heat
Add chicken in batches, cooking 3–4 minutes per side until golden and 165°F
Sauté sliced onions in remaining oil until golden, then return chicken to absorb flavors for 30 seconds
Notes
Use store-bought mojo for convenience
Ensure sazón is free of pork-based additives
Serve with cilantro-lime rice or fried plantains
Marination time can be done ahead
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg