Juicy Spicy Grilled Cuban Chicken Recipe
This Juicy Spicy Grilled Cuban Chicken features bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs marinated in a zesty blend of lime and orange juice, garlic, and bold spices. Grilled to perfection, this dish offers a vibrant, smoky flavor with a spicy kick, perfect for a flavorful dinner served alongside classic Cuban sides.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (including marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Cuban
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Marinade
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, oregano, paprika, hot sauce, salt, and pepper until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply.
- Preheat your grill: About 30 minutes before cooking, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. For charcoal grills, wait until the coals are covered with white ash to ensure even cooking and the ideal grilling temperature.
- Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place chicken skin-side down on the hot grill and cook for 6-8 minutes until the skin is nicely charred and crispy. Flip the chicken and grill for an additional 6-8 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is perfectly cooked through.
- Rest the chicken: Transfer the grilled chicken to a plate and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, keeping it moist and juicy.
- Serve: Slice the chicken and serve with your favorite sides such as rice and beans or a fresh salad. Optionally, drizzle some reserved marinade over the chicken to enhance flavor and moisture.
Notes
- Marinating overnight intensifies the flavors and tenderizes the chicken even more.
- Ensure the grill is properly preheated to avoid sticking and to create a nice char on the chicken skin.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the chicken is safely cooked to 165°F (75°C).
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce according to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Bone-in, skin-on thighs help retain moisture and add flavor during grilling.
Keywords: Cuban grilled chicken, spicy chicken recipe, grilled chicken thighs, citrus marinade, summer grilling, easy chicken dinner
