Description
The Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich is a zesty and hearty sandwich packed with authentic Cuban flavors. Featuring tender, mojo-marinated grilled chicken, smoky ham, melted Swiss cheese, tangy dill pickles, and yellow mustard, all pressed between crisp Cuban bread, this sandwich perfectly balances citrus brightness, garlicky herbs, and smoky grilling for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Units
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For the Mojo Marinade
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sandwich
- 4 slices Cuban bread or sub rolls
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 ounces thinly sliced smoked ham
- 8 slices dill pickles
Instructions
- Prepare the Mojo Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together minced garlic, fresh lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This aromatic mixture is the heart of the Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich, tenderizing the chicken while packing it with vibrant citrus and herb flavors.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the mojo marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally 3 to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Clean and lightly oil the grates to ensure perfect grill marks and prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until nicely charred and cooked through. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly to maintain juiciness.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Slice the Cuban bread lengthwise, spreading yellow mustard evenly on both sides. Layer on slices of grilled mojo chicken, smoked ham, Swiss cheese, and dill pickles to build the sandwich’s iconic flavors and textures.
- Press and Grill the Sandwich: Using a sandwich press or a heavy skillet, press the sandwich firmly for about 3 to 5 minutes until the bread is toasted, crispy, and the cheese has melted luxuriously.
Notes
- Marinate longer if possible: The more time the chicken soaks in mojo, the richer the flavor.
- Use fresh citrus: Fresh lime and orange juice make a dramatic difference in the marinade’s brightness.
- Don’t skip resting: Let the grilled chicken rest to seal in juices and enhance tenderness.
- Press with care: A sandwich press is ideal, but a heavy pan and foil work well for crisping.
- Slice ingredients evenly: Thin, uniform slices help the sandwich hold together better and improve every bite.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg