Cuban Mojo Chicken with Refreshing Mandarin-Black Bean Salad
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with this Cuban Mojo Chicken served alongside a zesty Mandarin-Black Bean Salad. The chicken is marinated in a traditional mojo sauce featuring citrusy orange and lime juices, aromatic garlic, and a medley of spices that lend a delicious depth of flavor. Paired with a refreshing salad that combines sweet mandarin oranges, nutrient-rich black beans, crunchy jicama, and a hint of jalapeño heat, this dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visually appealing centerpiece for any meal. Perfect for a healthy dinner or a light lunch, this one-dish meal will surely impress your family and friends.
N/A
Servings
145
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Orange juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed or bottled)
Lime juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed or bottled)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Ground cumin
1 teaspoon (none)
Dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon (crushed)
Paprika
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 (none)
Mandarin orange segments
2 cups (drained)
Canned black beans
1 cup (rinsed and drained)
Jicama
3/4 cup (diced)
Red onions
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Jalapeños
2 tablespoons (seeded and minced)
Fresh mint leaves
2 tablespoons (shredded)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
In a large zip-lock bag, combine orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, paprika, and salt. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, seal the bag, and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2
Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and lightly coat with cooking spray. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off, and pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
3
Cook the chicken in the skillet for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until cooked through and golden brown. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and keep warm.
4
Meanwhile, wipe the skillet clean and pour in the reserved marinade. Bring it to a boil over medium heat and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently to reduce slightly.
5
To prepare the Mandarin-Black Bean Salad, in a large mixing bowl, combine mandarin orange segments, rinsed black beans, diced jicama, chopped red onions, minced jalapeños, and shredded fresh mint leaves. Gently toss to mix the ingredients evenly and season with 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Let the salad sit until ready to serve, tossing occasionally.
6
When ready to serve, slice the cooked chicken diagonally into half-inch thick slices. Spoon a generous serving of the Mandarin-Black Bean Salad onto the center of four plates, arrange the chicken slices around the salad, and drizzle the warm marinade over the chicken.
Nutrition Information
4.25g
Fat
8.75g
Carbs
18.5g
Protein
2g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cuban Mojo Chicken?
Cuban Mojo Chicken is a traditional dish featuring chicken marinated in a citrus-based sauce called mojo, which typically includes orange and lime juices, garlic, and aromatic spices.
What are the primary flavors in the mojo marinade?
The marinade is characterized by citrusy orange and lime juices, savory minced garlic, earthy ground cumin, dried oregano, and paprika.
How long should the chicken marinate?
For the best flavor absorption, let the chicken breasts rest in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes.
What ingredients are in the Mandarin-Black Bean Salad?
The salad consists of mandarin orange segments, rinsed black beans, diced jicama, chopped red onions, minced jalapeños, and shredded fresh mint leaves.
How do I cook the mojo chicken?
Cook the chicken in a preheated nonstick skillet over medium-high heat for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until it is golden brown and cooked through.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, this dish is a healthy option as it is low in calories and fat while being high in protein and featuring fresh, nutrient-rich vegetables and fruits.
How many calories are in a serving of this Cuban Mojo Chicken?
There are approximately 145 calories per serving of this dish.
What is the protein content of this meal?
This recipe provides about 18.5g of protein per serving.
Can I use bottled juices for the marinade?
Yes, you can use either freshly squeezed or bottled orange and lime juices for the mojo marinade.
What is jicama and how is it used here?
Jicama is a crunchy, slightly sweet root vegetable. In this recipe, it is diced and added to the salad for a refreshing texture.
Is the Mandarin-Black Bean Salad spicy?
The salad contains minced jalapeños, which provide a hint of heat that is balanced by the sweetness of the mandarin oranges.
How do I prepare the sauce for the chicken?
Wipe the skillet clean after cooking the chicken, pour in the reserved marinade, bring it to a boil, and cook for about 2 minutes until it reduces slightly.
Can I substitute the chicken breasts?
While the recipe calls for boneless skinless chicken breasts, you could use other lean proteins, though cooking times may vary.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the listed ingredients including chicken, citrus, beans, and fresh produce are naturally gluten-free.
How should I slice the chicken for serving?
Slice the cooked chicken diagonally into half-inch thick slices before plating it with the salad.
What should I do with the marinade after soaking the chicken?
The reserved marinade should be boiled in a skillet for 2 minutes to reduce it into a sauce that is safely drizzled over the cooked chicken.
How do I prepare the fresh mint?
The fresh mint leaves should be shredded before being tossed into the Mandarin-Black Bean Salad.
Can I make the salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad and let it sit before serving, which allows the flavors to meld together.
How much fat is in this recipe?
This dish contains approximately 4.25g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this meal?
There are about 8.75g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there fiber in the Mandarin-Black Bean Salad?
Yes, the dish provides about 2g of fiber per serving, primarily from the black beans and jicama.
Should the mandarin orange segments be fresh or canned?
The recipe uses mandarin orange segments that have been drained, which can be either fresh or canned.
Do I need to rinse the black beans?
Yes, the canned black beans should be rinsed and drained before being added to the salad.
How do I ensure the chicken stays moist?
Patting the chicken dry after marinating and not overcooking it beyond 4-5 minutes per side helps maintain moisture.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh mint?
While fresh mint is preferred for its refreshing quality in the salad, a smaller amount of dried mint could be used if necessary.
What spices are used for the mojo flavor?
The earthiness and depth of the mojo sauce come from ground cumin, dried oregano, and paprika.
Is this dish suitable for a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, with a 20-minute marination time and a short cooking time, it is ideal for a quick and healthy dinner.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe makes enough for four plates, each featuring a generous portion of salad and sliced chicken.
Should the jalapeños be seeded?
Yes, the jalapeños should be seeded and minced to provide flavor and mild heat without being overwhelming.
Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-searing it?
Yes, the mojo-marinated chicken can also be grilled for a smoky variation of the dish.