Why Make This Recipe
Cuban Griddled Chicken Breast, known as Pollo a la Plancha, is a delicious and simple dish to make at home. This recipe combines juicy chicken breasts with vibrant flavors, making it perfect for any meal. It’s quick, requires only a few ingredients, and is a great way to introduce some Caribbean flair to your dinner table. Plus, it pairs well with rice, beans, or plantains!
How to Make Cuban Griddled Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup mojo marinade (or use store-bought)
- 2 teaspoons homemade sazon completa
- 2-3 tablespoons neutral oil (or unsalted butter for pan frying)
- Sliced sautéed onions (optional)
Directions
On a cutting board, place the chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken breasts until they are about 1/4-inch thick. This step is important! Pounding the chicken helps tenderize the meat, making it cook evenly and taste juicier.
In a shallow dish, add the chicken breasts. Pour the mojo marinade over them and sprinkle on the homemade sazon completa, seasoning both sides. Allow the chicken to marinate at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
In a griddle, grill pan, or large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Working in batches, remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Place them in the pan.
Cook the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Serve with white rice, black beans, and/or sweet plantains. Enjoy!
How to Serve Cuban Griddled Chicken Breast
Cuban Griddled Chicken Breast is best served hot. Place each chicken breast on a plate and pair it with sides like fluffy white rice, hearty black beans, and sweet fried plantains. Adding sliced sautéed onions on top can elevate the dish with extra flavor.
How to Store Cuban Griddled Chicken Breast
To store the leftover chicken, let it cool and then place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to avoid freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Cuban Griddled Chicken Breast
- Make sure to pound the chicken to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
- If you don’t have mojo marinade, you can make a quick version with orange juice, lime juice, garlic, and herbs.
- Try to let the chicken marinate longer for a more intense flavor.
- Keep the heat at medium to avoid burning the chicken while ensuring that it cooks through.
Variation
For a spicy kick, you can add a touch of cayenne pepper or serve it with a spicy dipping sauce. You can also experiment with different marinades, like adding herbs or spices to the mojo for extra flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before pounding and marinating.
2. What if I don’t have a meat mallet?
You can use a rolling pin, a heavy pan, or even the bottom of a small pot to gently pound the chicken.
3. Can I make this recipe on a grill?
Absolutely! This recipe can be easily adapted for grilling. Just preheat your grill and cook the marinated chicken for a similar amount of time, flipping once for even cooking.
