There is something utterly unforgettable about the perfect Cuban sandwich, and the Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich Recipe takes it up a notch with its vibrant mojo marinade and juicy grilled chicken thighs. This dish combines tangy citrus, aromatic garlic, and a smoky char that sings through layers of Swiss cheese, deli ham, tangy pickles, and creamy mustard, all tucked inside warm, crispy bread. Whether you’re craving a taste of Cuban-American comfort or looking for a flavorful grilled sandwich to wow your friends, this recipe promises a mouthwatering experience that’s both hearty and full of zest.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to bring the authentic flavors of the Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich Recipe to life. Each one adds a layer of taste, texture, or color that creates a perfect balance in every bite.
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs: They stay juicy and tender when grilled, offering the perfect protein base.
- ½ cup orange juice: Adds natural sweetness and acidity to brighten the marinade.
- ¼ cup lime juice: Brings a fresh citrus punch that energizes the mojo marinade.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the chicken with classic savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Introduces a warm, earthy note that’s traditional in Cuban cuisine.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a subtle herbal flavor for complexity.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other vibrant flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat to round out the marinade.
- ¼ cup olive oil: Helps meld the marinade and keeps the chicken moist on the grill.
- 4 sandwich rolls or Cuban bread: Essential for that perfect crusty yet soft sandwich vessel.
- 8 slices deli ham: Classic Cuban sandwich ingredient that adds savory richness.
- 8 slices Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully and adds creamy, nutty flavor.
- ¼ cup yellow mustard: Provides tangy sharpness that cuts through the richness.
- 12 dill pickle slices: For bursts of crunch and acidity that elevate every bite.
- Butter for grilling: Creates a golden, crispy exterior when pressed and grilled.
How to Make Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mojo Marinade and Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together orange juice, lime juice, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and olive oil in a bowl or resealable bag. This mojo marinade is the magic behind the flavor explosion in this sandwich. Add your chicken thighs and make sure each piece is well-coated with the marinade. Let it soak up all those zesty, garlicky notes for at least an hour, but overnight really takes things to the next level.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken to Perfection
Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes on each side until those lovely grill marks appear and the chicken is cooked through but still juicy. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it thinly against the grain for tender, bite-sized layers inside your sandwich.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich Layers
Slice open your rolls or Cuban bread and spread yellow mustard generously on the inside halves. Start with a layer of two slices of Swiss cheese on the bottom half, then add three slices of deli ham. Next, pile on a generous portion of the sliced mojo chicken and top with three dill pickle slices. Add another slice of Swiss cheese to finish and close the sandwich, locking in all those vibrant flavors.
Step 4: Press and Grill Your Sandwich
Butter the outsides of your sandwich to help create a beautiful golden crust. Use a panini press or heat a skillet over medium heat and press your sandwich down, grilling for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until the bread is toasted crispy and the cheese is delightfully melted inside. Slice, serve warm, and savor every heavenly bite.
How to Serve Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich Recipe doesn’t have to be complicated. A simple handful of fresh cilantro leaves or a light sprinkle of smoked paprika can enhance the presentation and add a subtle fresh or smoky contrast. A wedge of lime on the side invites an extra citrus squeeze that complements the mojo flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This sandwich shines alongside classic Cuban sides or simple finger foods. Crisp plantain chips, black beans and rice, or a light, refreshing citrus salad create a colorful and satisfying meal. Even a bowl of homemade sweet potato fries or a crunchy coleslaw pairs well, balancing the hearty sandwich with textural contrast and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting or want to impress, slice the sandwich into smaller sliders and serve them on a wooden board with colorful pickled vegetables or a zesty dipping sauce on the side. Wrapping the sandwich in parchment paper keeps it warm for picnics or casual gatherings and adds a charming rustic touch that invites people to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover mojo chicken and sandwich components can be easily stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken slices and sandwich bread separate to avoid sogginess and maintain crispness. Assemble fresh when ready to eat for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
While the full sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the grilled mojo chicken separately in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw slowly overnight in the fridge before reheating. Avoid freezing the sandwich once assembled to prevent the bread from becoming too dense or mushy.
Reheating
Reheat grilled mojo chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until warm but not dry. For the sandwich, reassemble with fresh mustard and pickles, then quickly crisp it in a panini press or skillet to bring back the delightful crunch and melted cheese texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely. Chicken breasts can work in a pinch, but thighs tend to stay juicier and soak up the mojo marinade more fully, giving you richer flavor and tenderness.
What if I don’t have Cuban bread?
You can substitute with soft hoagie rolls, French baguette, or Italian bread—just look for something with a crusty exterior and soft interior to mimic that Cuban bread texture.
Can I make the mojo marinade ahead of time?
Yes! The mojo marinade tastes even better when made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to use.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to the chicken?
For a vegetarian version, consider grilling marinated tofu or portobello mushrooms with the same mojo marinade. While different, they absorb the flavors nicely and make a tasty plant-based filling.
How do I get the sandwich to stay crispy and not soggy?
The key is to butter the outside of the bread generously and grill it pressed, which seals in the layers and gives you that irresistible crunch. Also, keep wet ingredients like pickles to a moderate amount and assemble just before grilling.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich Recipe truly brings together some of the most delightful flavors and textures in one satisfying handheld package. It’s a recipe worth trying again and again, perfect for sharing with friends or indulging on a cozy night in. Dive into the tangy mojo marinade, the melty cheese, and the perfectly grilled chicken, and you’ll quickly understand why this sandwich holds a special place in many hearts. Happy grilling and enjoy every bite!
Print
Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes plus marinating time
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Cuban-American
- Diet: High-Protein
Description
This Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich is a flavorful twist on the classic Cuban sandwich featuring marinated boneless chicken thighs grilled to perfection, layered with Swiss cheese, ham, mustard, and pickles, then pressed until golden and melty. Perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, this sandwich boasts juicy, citrusy mojo chicken with traditional Cuban flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Marinade and Chicken
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ½ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup olive oil
Sandwich Assembly
- 4 sandwich rolls or Cuban bread
- 8 slices deli ham
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- ¼ cup yellow mustard
- 12 dill pickle slices
- Butter, for grilling
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl or resealable bag, whisk together orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Add the chicken thighs and ensure they are fully coated with the marinade. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight to develop deep flavor.
- Grill Chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and place on the grill. Cook for 4–6 minutes per side until the chicken is fully cooked through and slightly charred on the outside. Once done, transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Slice the sandwich rolls or Cuban bread in half horizontally. Spread yellow mustard evenly on the inside surfaces of both the top and bottom halves. Layer the bottom half with 2 slices of Swiss cheese, 3 slices of ham, a generous portion of the sliced mojo chicken, and 3 dill pickle slices. Top with another slice of Swiss cheese, then close the sandwich with the top half of the roll.
- Grill Sandwiches: Butter the outside of each sandwich generously. Heat a panini press or skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the press or skillet, pressing down firmly. Grill for 3–4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese has melted completely. Remove from heat, slice in half, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a quicker option, you can use rotisserie chicken, but marinated grilled chicken provides the best authentic mojo flavor.
- To achieve extra crispiness, wrap the assembled sandwich in foil and press it with a heavy skillet while grilling.
- Allow chicken to rest after grilling to retain juices and improve slicing texture.
- Use Cuban bread if available for more authentic taste, but sandwich rolls work well as substitutes.
