Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich Recipe

Elevate lunch with a Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich, packed with zesty mojo marinade and melty cheese goodness that perfectly balances bold flavors and satisfying textures. This Cuban-inspired delight offers a fresh spin on the classic sandwich, combining savory grilled chicken infused with citrusy garlic mojo, crispy pressed bread, and layers of savory ham and Swiss cheese. Whether you’re craving a hearty lunch or a flavor-packed dinner, this sandwich is your new go-to comfort food hero.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Flavor Explosion: The mojo marinade infuses the chicken with vibrant citrus and garlic notes, making every bite irresistible.
• Perfectly Crispy Bread: Pressing the sandwich creates a crunchy exterior that contrasts with the tender fillings inside.
• Melty Cheese Heaven: Swiss cheese melts beautifully, binding all ingredients together for smooth, cheesy goodness.
• Simple Yet Gourmet: Everyday ingredients come together effortlessly to create an elevated sandwich experience.
• Great for Meal Prep: It’s tasty fresh or reheated, making it ideal for busy weekdays.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple but essential ingredients each play a vital role in achieving the authentic taste, texture, and vibrant character of the Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich.

• Chicken breast: The star protein that soaks in mojo marinade for juicy, flavorful bites.
• Mojo marinade: A zesty blend of garlic, citrus juices, and herbs, essential for that authentic Cuban punch.
• Cuban bread: Classic soft yet crusty bread that crisps perfectly when grilled or pressed.
• Swiss cheese: Melts smoothly and adds a nutty flavor that complements the chicken and ham.
• Deli ham: Adds a salty and smoky layer to balance the fresh chicken and citrus notes.
• Dill pickles: Provide a tangy crunch that brightens every bite.
• Yellow mustard: A sharp, creamy spread that enhances the sandwich’s overall flavor profile.
• Butter or olive oil: For grilling and pressing the sandwich to golden perfection.

Variations

This Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich is highly customizable. Feel free to tweak ingredients to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs and keep the recipe fresh and exciting every time you make it.

• Spicy Twist: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mojo marinade for a fiery kick.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu seasoned with mojo for the chicken.
• Cheese Swap: Use provolone or mozzarella instead of Swiss for a milder melting cheese.
• Gluten-Free Bread: Use gluten-free Cuban-style rolls to make this sandwich safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
• Extra Veggies: Toss in some fresh spinach, sliced tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for added color and nutrition.

How to Make Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Mix garlic, orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to create your mojo marinade. Coat the chicken breast thoroughly and let it marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and nicely charred. Then, let them rest before slicing thinly.

Step 3: Prepare the Sandwich Ingredients

Slice the Cuban bread into sandwich-sized pieces, then slice the Swiss cheese, deli ham, and dill pickles. Spread yellow mustard evenly on the bread slices to add tangy depth.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich

Layer the grilled mojo chicken slices, ham, pickles, and Swiss cheese between the Cuban bread halves. Make sure to distribute the ingredients evenly for balanced flavor with every bite.

Step 5: Grill and Press the Sandwich

Brush the outside of the sandwich with melted butter or olive oil. Heat a panini press or skillet and press the sandwich firmly, cooking until the bread is crisp and golden and the cheese melts, about 3-5 minutes per side.

Pro Tips for Making Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich

• Marinate Overnight: Letting the chicken rest in the mojo vinaigrette overnight deepens the citrus and garlic flavors beautifully.
• Use a Panini Press: For an evenly crisp sandwich, a panini press is ideal but a heavy skillet with a weight works just as well.
• Thin Slices Matter: Thinly slicing the grilled chicken helps the sandwich layers meld better and creates a tidy texture profile.
• Don’t Skip the Mustard: That tangy layer is key to replicating the authentic Cuban sandwich taste.
• Warm the Bread Slightly: Slightly warming Cuban bread before assembling makes pressing smoother and the crust crispier.

How to Serve Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro or parsley sprinkled on the side adds a green pop of color and freshness that brightens the plate and complements the sandwich’s flavor.

Side Dishes

Classic sides like crispy sweet potato fries, black bean salad, or a tangy coleslaw pair perfectly with the rich and savory flavors of the sandwich.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the sandwich diagonally for a prettier stack, secure with a colorful toothpick, and serve with small ramekins of extra mojo sauce or mustard for dipping to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover sandwiches tightly in foil or airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 2 days to preserve freshness without sogginess.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the assembled but unpressed sandwiches in freezer bags for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before pressing and grilling.

Reheating

Reheat on a skillet or panini press until the cheese melts and bread crisps back up to maintain the sandwich’s texture and flavor.

FAQs

What is mojo marinade?

Mojo marinade is a Cuban-inspired blend typically made from citrus juices, garlic, olive oil, and spices that tenderizes meat and adds bright, zesty flavor.

Can I use other types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless skinless thighs or even chicken tenders work well and remain juicy when marinated and grilled.

Is Cuban bread necessary?

While Cuban bread is ideal for its texture and flavor, you can substitute with French bread or Italian rolls if Cuban bread is unavailable.

How can I make this sandwich vegetarian?

Replace the chicken with grilled vegetables like portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu while keeping the mojo marinade for authentic flavor.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free bread options and double-check any processed ingredients like ham or mustard for gluten content.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich is a bright, savory, and wonderfully satisfying meal that brings the taste of Cuban street food right to your kitchen. It’s easy to customize, quick to make, and guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Give it a try and savor every juicy, melty, crispy bite!

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