If you’re craving something vibrant, flavorful, and utterly irresistible, let me introduce you to the Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich Recipe. This sandwich isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of zesty citrus, savory grilled chicken, melty Swiss cheese, and the tangy crunch of pickles, all packed between perfectly toasted Cuban bread. Every bite is a delightful journey that combines fresh, bold flavors and textures that you won’t forget. Whether you’re looking to impress at a casual lunch or spice up your dinner routine, this sandwich has got your back with its easy prep and unforgettable taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients can create the most memorable dishes, and this recipe is proof. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture — from the marinade that tingles your taste buds to the cure of tangy mustard and crispy bread.
- Fresh orange juice: Brings bright citrus sweetness that tenderizes and profiles the chicken.
- Fresh lime juice: Adds zesty acidity balancing the rich flavors.
- Garlic, minced: Infuses the marinade with earthy, aromatic depth.
- Olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist while grilling and carries spices evenly.
- Ground cumin: Introduces a warm, smoky undertone.
- Dried oregano: Adds herbal brightness for a Cuban classic flair.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all tastes.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A little kick for those who love heat.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The juicy centerpiece of the sandwich.
- Swiss cheese slices: Melted gooeyness that ties everything together smoothly.
- Sandwich rolls or Cuban bread: The sturdy base that crisps beautifully.
- Yellow mustard: Adds tang and vibrant color to the sandwich layers.
- Sliced pickles: Crunch and a vinegary pop, utterly essential.
- Butter (for grilling): Creates a golden crust and indulgent richness.
How to Make Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Make the Mojo Marinade
Begin by whisking together fresh orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you are feeling adventurous. This marinade is the heart of the dish, packing layers of citrus zing, herbal warmth, and a hint of heat that sets the stage for unforgettable grilled chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag, then pour the mojo marinade over them. Seal and refrigerate for at least one hour — this step allows those bright, robust flavors to soak in and tenderize the meat, ensuring every bite is juicy and packed full of Cuban-inspired goodness.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes afterward – this keeps the juices locked in and makes slicing for your sandwich easier and neater.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich
Slice your sandwich rolls or Cuban bread and spread a generous layer of yellow mustard on each inside half. Layer the thinly sliced grilled mojo chicken, followed by Swiss cheese slices, and top with crisp pickles. Each element complements the others with the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and tangy notes.
Step 5: Grill the Sandwich
Heat a grill pan or skillet on medium and melt a bit of butter. Place your assembled sandwich in, pressing down slightly to compact those delicious layers. Grill for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the bread is toasted golden brown and the cheese transforms into melty heaven.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Cut the sandwich in half for easy handling and serve warm. This is the time to savor the harmony of smoky grilled chicken, tangy mustard, pickles’ crispness, and the buttery toasted bread that makes this Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich Recipe a standout meal.
How to Serve Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your sandwich presentation with a simple garnish of fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of chopped scallions. These touches add a fresh herbal note and a pop of color that brightens the plate beautifully, making it feel more vibrant and ready to savor.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs wonderfully with crispy plantain chips, a light mango salsa, or even a classic Cuban black bean salad. These sides bring complementary textures and flavors such as sweetness, crunch, and savory richness that enhance every bite of your sandwich.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve mini slider versions using smaller rolls—perfect for sharing at parties. You can also deconstruct it into a platter form with all the sandwich ingredients nicely arranged for a build-your-own sandwich bar experience, letting everyone tailor it just how they like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover sandwiches, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap to keep the bread from drying out and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay tasty for up to two days, making for a convenient and delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze the grilled chicken separately from the sandwich bread for optimum texture. Pack the cooked chicken in airtight containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to three months. Reheat gently to keep it juicy.
Reheating
To revive your leftover sandwich, reheat it in a skillet over medium-low heat with a little butter, pressing down to toast the bread and melt the cheese without drying out the chicken. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the crispy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Swiss?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese offers a classic, mild flavor that melts beautifully, you can substitute provolone or mozzarella for a slightly different taste and texture. Just be sure to choose something that melts well to keep that gooey goodness.
How long should I marinate the chicken for best results?
Marinating for at least one hour allows the citrus and spices to tenderize and flavor the chicken nicely. However, if you have more time, up to 4 hours is even better for a deeper infusion of mojo flavors without compromising texture.
Can I make this sandwich without a grill?
Yes! A grill pan or even a regular skillet on the stove works perfectly. Just make sure to monitor the heat so the chicken cooks through evenly and the bread toasts to a perfect golden color when grilling the sandwich.
Is the red pepper flakes ingredient necessary?
Not at all! The red pepper flakes are optional and can be skipped if you prefer a milder sandwich. They add a nice subtle heat that balances the citrus and garlic but the sandwich is flavorful and delicious without it.
What’s the best type of bread to use for this sandwich?
Traditional Cuban bread is ideal because of its soft interior and crispy crust, but if you can’t find it, sturdy sandwich rolls or French bread with a firm crust also work very well. Just avoid anything too soft that won’t hold up to grilling and the stack of ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich Recipe is one of those dishes that delivers a big impact with simple, fresh ingredients and easy steps. It’s a flavorful trip to the heart of Cuban-inspired cooking that you can whip up any day of the week. Give it a try—you’ll love how every bite feels like a sunny celebration and might just make this a new favorite go-to sandwich!
Print
Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including marinating)
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Cuban
Description
This Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich combines the zesty flavors of a citrus-based mojo marinade with tender grilled chicken, melted Swiss cheese, tangy pickles, and mustard, all pressed inside a crispy, buttery sandwich roll. Perfect for a quick and flavorful lunch or dinner, this recipe brings a Cuban twist to a classic grilled sandwich.
Ingredients
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)
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 the orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. This marinade blends citrus and spices that will infuse the chicken with bright, aromatic flavors.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag and pour the mojo marinade over them. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, ensuring juicy and flavorful chicken after grilling.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and grill for 6 to 7 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), indicating the chicken is fully cooked. Remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly to maintain juiciness.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread yellow mustard generously on the inside of each sandwich roll or Cuban bread. On the bottom half, layer the thinly sliced grilled mojo chicken, followed by slices of Swiss cheese and the pickles for a tangy crunch.
- Grill the Sandwich: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter. Place each assembled sandwich in the pan, pressing down slightly to compact it. Grill for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden and crisp and the cheese inside is melted, creating a warm, gooey filling.
- Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the pan and cut each sandwich in half. Serve warm to enjoy the perfect blend of smoky grilled chicken, melted cheese, and tangy pickles with the zesty mojo marinade flavor.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight will intensify the mojo flavors even more.
- If you don’t have access to a grill, a grill pan or skillet works perfectly for both the chicken and sandwich.
- You can substitute Swiss cheese with provolone or mozzarella if preferred.
- Butter the outside of the sandwich rolls well to achieve a crispy, golden crust.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit entirely for a milder taste.
