Description
A flavorful Cuban-inspired chicken dish with garlic, lime, and cumin, served with sautéed onions and optional rice and black beans.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into thin cutlets)
- 3 Tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a little color)
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced into rings
- 2 Tbsp water or chicken broth (to help soften onions)
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Optional for serving: cooked white rice + black beans
Instructions
- Make the mojo: In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, lime juice, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, paprika, and 2 Tbsp olive oil.
- Season the chicken: Add chicken cutlets to the mojo and toss to coat. If you have time, marinate 15–30 minutes (even 10 minutes helps).
- Sear the chicken: Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken (work in batches if needed). Cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden and the internal temp reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate.
- Sauté the onions: Add sliced onions to the same skillet. Cook 4–6 minutes, stirring, until softened and lightly browned. Add 2 Tbsp water/broth and scrape up the browned bits.
- Finish: Return chicken (and any juices) to the skillet. Spoon onions over the top and cook 1–2 minutes to warm through.
- Serve: Plate with rice and black beans and plenty of lime wedges.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken enhances flavor but is optional.
- Smoked paprika adds color but can be omitted.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cuban
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: cuban chicken, mojo cuban chicken, garlic lime chicken, pan seared chicken breast, rice and black beans, easy weeknight chicken