Description
Cuban Pollo a la Plancha is a flavorful and easy-to-make grilled chicken breast dish marinated in mojo sauce and homemade sazon for a vibrant, citrusy taste. The chicken is pounded thin for tenderness and cooked quickly on a griddle or skillet, making it a perfect weeknight meal served alongside classic Cuban sides like rice, beans, and plantains.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade & Seasoning
- 1/3 cup mojo marinade (homemade or storebought)
- 2 teaspoons homemade sazon completa
Cooking Fat
- 2-3 tablespoons neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola oil) or unsalted butter for pan frying
Optional
- Sliced sautéed onions
Instructions
- Pound the Chicken: On a cutting board, place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to about 1/4-inch thickness. This step tenderizes the meat and ensures even cooking with a juicier result.
- Marinate: Place the pounded chicken breasts in a shallow dish. Pour the mojo marinade over them and sprinkle both sides with homemade sazon completa seasoning. Allow the chicken to marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Heat the Pan: Warm a griddle, grill pan, or large skillet over medium heat. Add 2-3 tablespoons of neutral oil or unsalted butter to coat the surface evenly.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove chicken breasts from the marinade, shaking off excess liquid, and place them on the heated pan. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the pollo a la plancha hot with traditional Cuban sides like white rice, black beans, and sweet plantains. Optionally, garnish with sautéed sliced onions for extra flavor.
Notes
- Pounding chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures quicker, more even cooking and a tender texture.
- Marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes to enhance flavor without over-marinating.
- If you don’t have mojo marinade, a simple mixture of citrus juice, garlic, and herbs can be used as a substitute.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the chicken and the heat of your pan.
- Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point to prevent burning during pan frying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cuban
