If you’re craving a zesty escape from routine chicken dinners, let me introduce you to CUBAN POLLO A LA PLANCHA (EASY GRIDDLED CHICKEN BREAST)! This Cuban classic combines citrusy mojo-marinated chicken, punched up with flavorful sazon completa, then seared on a hot griddle until golden and juicy. A generous tangle of sautéed onions on top is the finishing touch that takes this chicken from simple to soul-satisfying. The marinade and pan-searing method lock in moisture, so every bite packs sunshine and bold flavor—plus, you can have it on the table in under an hour, with minimal fuss and maximum wow factor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Get ready to be amazed at how just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients come together in CUBAN POLLO A LA PLANCHA (EASY GRIDDLED CHICKEN BREAST). Each plays a starring role in building bright flavor and irresistible tenderness, so don’t skimp—it’s the magic of simplicity at work!
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Pounding these thin is the secret to juicy, evenly cooked meat that soaks up every drop of marinade.
- Mojo marinade (homemade or store-bought): This mouthwatering Cuban citrus-garlic marinade wakes up the chicken with its vibrant flavor—it’s the soul of the dish!
- Homemade sazon completa: This all-purpose seasoning blend brings a savory punch. Store-bought works, but homemade is a fun shortcut to “homemade” taste.
- Neutral oil or unsalted butter: Either option helps you achieve that glorious golden-brown sear while keeping things light—choose based on your flavor preference.
- Sliced sauteed onions (optional but highly recommended): Sweet, tender onions finish the dish with a savory, caramelized kick. Trust me, you want these on top!
How to Make CUBAN POLLO A LA PLANCHA (EASY GRIDDLED CHICKEN BREAST)
Step 1: Pound the Chicken Breasts
Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until about 1/4 inch thin. This step isn’t just for looks—thinner breasts cook quickly and evenly, soaking up all those incredible flavors. Plus, the process makes the meat super tender and ensures every bite is juicy, not dry!
Step 2: Marinate for Flavor
Arrange your pounded chicken in a shallow dish and pour over the mojo marinade, then sprinkle both sides generously with homemade sazon completa. Give them a loving flip and pat so every surface gets seasoned. Let the chicken marinate at room temperature for about 20 minutes. You’ll see the citrus working its magic, infusing each piece with tangy, garlicky goodness.
Step 3: Heat the Griddle
Time to fire up the flavor! Heat a griddle, grill pan, or large skillet to medium. Once it’s hot, add your oil or butter and let it shimmer. This is your ticket to those beautiful caramelized edges that CUBAN POLLO A LA PLANCHA (EASY GRIDDLED CHICKEN BREAST) is famous for—don’t rush this step!
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Shake off any extra marinade from each chicken breast and lay them gently in the hot pan. Give them space so they can sear—not steam—into golden, crusty perfection. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side (you might need to work in batches), flipping once to reveal that irresistible crust. The aroma will make your kitchen smell like a Cuban café!
Step 5: Top with Sauteed Onions and Serve
For the grand finale, top your griddled chicken with a generous nest of sautéed onions. The natural sweetness of the onions balances the tangy, garlicky chicken perfectly. Serve immediately—CUBAN POLLO A LA PLANCHA (EASY GRIDDLED CHICKEN BREAST) tastes best piping hot and juicy, straight off the pan!
How to Serve CUBAN POLLO A LA PLANCHA (EASY GRIDDLED CHICKEN BREAST)
Garnishes
A handful of fresh cilantro, a wedge of lime, or just the classic sautéed onions all work wonderfully to lift the flavors even higher. The onions, especially, aren’t just for looks—they add a layer of sweetness and fragrance that perfectly completes the chicken. Don’t be shy; pile them on generously!
Side Dishes
The true Cuban way is to serve CUBAN POLLO A LA PLANCHA (EASY GRIDDLED CHICKEN BREAST) with fluffy white rice, creamy black beans, and sweet plantains. Each bite is a perfect balance: the zesty chicken, savory beans, comforting rice, and a hit of plantain sweetness. Add a simple salad for brightness and crunch if you like.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to give it a twist? Try slicing the chicken and layering it in a hearty Cuban sandwich with Swiss cheese and pickles, or serve it atop a vibrant grain bowl with black beans, avocado, and mango salsa. Hosting friends? Plate individual portions with artful swirls of mojo sauce and a sprinkle of chopped herbs for restaurant vibes at home!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your leftover CUBAN POLLO A LA PLANCHA (EASY GRIDDLED CHICKEN BREAST) cool completely before packing it into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping the sautéed onions separate helps the chicken stay juicy and prevents it from getting soggy, ensuring tomorrow’s lunch is just as tasty.
Freezing
For make-ahead magic, freeze the cooled, cooked chicken breasts (without the onions) in a zip-top freezer bag. Lay them flat to prevent sticking and make thawing a breeze. They’ll keep for up to two months—perfect for fast weeknight dinners or lunch meal prep.
Reheating
To revive your chicken without losing juiciness, warm it gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or a hit of fresh mojo marinade. Cover to steam for a few minutes until heated through. You can also microwave in short bursts, but the skillet keeps the texture best. Top with onions after reheating for freshly-cooked flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work beautifully and bring extra richness. Just be sure to pound them thin for even cooking, and adjust the griddling time as needed—thighs might take a minute or two longer per side.
What is mojo marinade and can I make it at home?
Mojo marinade is a Cuban staple made with citrus juice (often sour orange or a blend of orange and lime), garlic, olive oil, and spices. Homemade is always best, but store-bought works in a pinch. Try mixing fresh orange and lime juice with minced garlic, cumin, oregano, and a splash of oil for a quick DIY version.
Is CUBAN POLLO A LA PLANCHA (EASY GRIDDLED CHICKEN BREAST) spicy?
Nope! The flavors are bright and punchy but not hot. The sazon completa brings savory Cuban flavor without heat, making it perfect for families and anyone who likes maximum flavor with minimum burn.
Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
For sure! Marinating longer (up to overnight in the fridge) only intensifies the citrus and garlic flavors. If using acidic marinade for longer than a few hours, I recommend checking the texture—the thin, pounded chicken doesn’t need too long to soak up big flavors.
What’s the best pan to use for griddling?
A heavy cast iron skillet, grill pan, or flat-top griddle works best for achieving the signature golden sear on CUBAN POLLO A LA PLANCHA (EASY GRIDDLED CHICKEN BREAST). Nonstick pans work too, but cast iron helps brown the chicken beautifully and adds flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to transform your next chicken dinner, give CUBAN POLLO A LA PLANCHA (EASY GRIDDLED CHICKEN BREAST) a try. It’s vibrant, juicy, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to make your kitchen feel just a little more fun. Whether you’re new to Cuban cooking or a longtime fan, this dish is bound to become a frequent favorite in your home!
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CUBAN POLLO A LA PLANCHA (EASY GRIDDLED CHICKEN BREAST) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Griddled
- Cuisine: Cuban
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cuban Pollo a la Plancha is a citrus-marinated and seasoned chicken breast griddled to juicy, golden brown perfection and topped with sauteed onions. This recipe is easy to make and guarantees moist, tender chicken breasts bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts:
4 pieces
Mojo Marinade:
1/3 cup (homemade or storebought)
Homemade Sazon Completa:
2 teaspoons
Neutral Oil or Unsalted Butter:
2-3 tablespoons
Sliced Sauteed Onions:
Optional
Instructions
- Pound Chicken: Place chicken between plastic wrap and pound to 1/4-inch thickness.
- Marinate: In a dish, add chicken, mojo marinade, and sazon completa. Marinate for 20 minutes.
- Cook: Heat oil in a pan. Cook chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Serve: Enjoy with white rice, black beans, and/or sweet plantains.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 178 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 72mg
