Description
This Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich features succulent chicken breasts marinated in a vibrant citrus-garlic mojo marinade, grilled to perfection, then layered with Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on authentic Cuban bread or sandwich rolls. Finished off with a buttery press on a grill pan for a melty, crispy delight, this sandwich is a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the 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)
For the 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 combines citrus and spices to infuse the chicken with bright, bold flavors.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour the mojo marinade over them. Seal the container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours, allowing the chicken to soak up the marinade and tenderize.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your outdoor grill or grill pan over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes to retain its juicy texture before slicing thinly for the sandwiches.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread yellow mustard on the inside of each sandwich roll or slice of Cuban bread. On the bottom half, layer the sliced grilled mojo chicken, followed by Swiss cheese and pickle slices for a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and cheesy flavors.
- Grill the Sandwich: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter. Place the assembled sandwich in the pan and press it slightly. Grill for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread turns golden brown and crispy, and the Swiss cheese melts beautifully.
- Serve: Remove the sandwich from the pan, cut it in half, and serve immediately while warm to enjoy the melty, toasted goodness.
Notes
- For extra authentic Cuban flavor, use Cuban bread if available instead of sandwich rolls.
- You can add sliced ham for a more traditional Cuban sandwich variation.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or skillet works well to achieve delicious grill marks and flavor.
- Letting the chicken rest after grilling helps keep it juicy and easier to slice.
- Use good quality yellow mustard for the best flavor balance in the sandwich.
- Butter the outside of the sandwich bread generously for a crisp, golden crust when grilling.
