Cuban Pollo a la Plancha (Easy Griddled Chicken Breast)

Cuban Pollo a la Plancha (Easy Griddled Chicken Breast) is a delightful dish that brings tropical flavors to your table. This recipe features juicy, golden-brown chicken breasts marinated in zesty mojo sauce and seasoned with homemade sazon completa. It’s an ideal choice for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep for the week. With its vibrant taste and simple preparation, you’ll find yourself making this dish over and over again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare – With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
• Flavor-Packed – The citrus marinade infuses the chicken with irresistible flavors that elevate your dining experience.
• Versatile Serving Options – Pair it with rice, beans, or plantains for a complete meal that suits any occasion.
• Healthy and Wholesome – This recipe offers lean protein while keeping calories low, making it suitable for various diets.
• Easy Cleanup – Grilling on one pan means less mess in the kitchen!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Meat mallet or rolling pin
• Shallow dish for marinating
• Griddle or grill pan
• Large skillet

Importance of Each Tool

• Meat mallet or rolling pin – Perfect for tenderizing chicken breasts, ensuring even cooking.
• Shallow dish – Ideal for marinating the chicken evenly in the mojo marinade.
• Griddle or grill pan – Provides an excellent surface for achieving that perfect golden-brown crust.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 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)

How to Make Cuban Pollo a la Plancha (Easy Griddled Chicken Breast)

Step 1: Tenderize the Chicken

On a cutting board, place chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, slightly pound the chicken breasts until they’re 1/4-inch thin. Don’t skip this step! Pounding chicken breasts tenderizes the meat which helps it cook evenly and results in a juicier texture.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a shallow dish, add the chicken breasts. Pour in the mojo marinade and season with homemade sazon completa on both sides. Marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare to Grill

In a griddle, grill pan, or large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Working in batches, remove chicken breasts from the marinade, shaking off any excess before placing them on the pan.

Step 4: Cook Until Golden Brown

Cook each chicken breast for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Serve with white rice, black beans, and/or sweet plantains. Enjoy!

How to Serve Cuban Pollo a la Plancha (Easy Griddled Chicken Breast)

Cuban Pollo a la Plancha is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with various sides and garnishes. Whether for a casual lunch or an elegant dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal experience.

With Sautéed Onions

• Adding sautéed onions on top of the griddled chicken gives a sweet and savory flavor that complements the citrus marinade beautifully.

Over White Rice

• Serving Cuban Pollo a la Plancha over fluffy white rice creates a hearty base that absorbs the juices of the chicken, enhancing each bite.

Accompanied by Black Beans

• Black beans provide a protein-packed side that adds a creamy texture and earthy flavor, making your meal more filling and nutritious.

With Sweet Plantains

• Fried or baked sweet plantains offer a delightful contrast with their sweetness, balancing the savory notes of the chicken perfectly.

Topped with Avocado Salsa

• Fresh avocado salsa adds creaminess and brightness. The coolness of avocado pairs well with the warm, seasoned chicken for a refreshing touch.

How to Perfect Cuban Pollo a la Plancha (Easy Griddled Chicken Breast)

Perfecting Cuban Pollo a la Plancha is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure you achieve juicy, flavorful results every time.

• Pound the Chicken: Tenderizing the chicken breasts makes them cook evenly and keeps them moist during grilling.
• Use Quality Marinade: A good mojo marinade infuses flavor into the chicken. Consider homemade options for the best taste.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches to avoid steaming. Proper spacing allows for even browning and better texture.
• Let it Rest: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain juices for enhanced flavor.
• Check Internal Temperature: Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption without drying out.
• Experiment with Seasonings: Adjust the sazon completa according to your taste preferences, adding spices like cumin or garlic powder for extra kick.

Best Side Dishes for Cuban Pollo a la Plancha (Easy Griddled Chicken Breast)

Cuban Pollo a la Plancha pairs beautifully with various sides that enhance its flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Arroz con Frijoles: A classic combination of rice and beans; seasoned together, they create an amazing balance of flavors.
2. Maduros (Sweet Fried Plantains): Their caramelized sweetness offers a wonderful contrast to savory dishes like this grilled chicken.
3. Tostones (Fried Green Plantains): These crispy twice-fried plantains add crunch and are perfect for dipping into sauces or topping with garlic.
4. Corn Salad: A fresh salad made with corn, bell peppers, and lime dressing adds brightness and crunch to your plate.
5. Cilantro Lime Rice: Infused with fresh cilantro and zesty lime, this rice dish provides fragrant flavors that complement the chicken nicely.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus bring color and additional nutrients while enhancing your meal’s presentation.
7. Coleslaw: A light coleslaw offers crunch and tanginess that contrasts well with the rich flavors of Cuban Pollo a la Plancha.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cuban Pollo a la Plancha can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure your dish is perfect.

• Skipping the marinade time: Not allowing enough time for marinating can lead to dry chicken. Make sure to marinate for at least 20 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken for too long makes it tough. Monitor closely and aim for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
• Not pounding the chicken: Failing to pound the chicken breasts can result in uneven cooking. Always flatten them to about 1/4-inch thickness for consistent results.
• Using the wrong oil: Choosing an oil with a low smoke point can burn easily. Opt for neutral oils or unsalted butter that withstand higher temperatures.
• Ignoring the resting time: Cutting into the chicken right after cooking releases juices. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to keep it juicy.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Cuban Pollo a la Plancha (Easy Griddled Chicken Breast)

• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Cuban Pollo a la Plancha (Easy Griddled Chicken Breast)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat chicken on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in intervals of 30 seconds until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat and rewarm chicken for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cuban Pollo a la Plancha.

What is Cuban Pollo a la Plancha?

Cuban Pollo a la Plancha refers to grilled chicken breast marinated with citrus flavors and seasonings, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! While this recipe features chicken breast, you can easily substitute turkey or beef depending on your preference.

How do I make homemade sazon completa?

Combine garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, and salt to create your own sazon completa seasoning mix at home.

What should I serve with Cuban Pollo a la Plancha?

This dish pairs nicely with white rice, black beans, or sweet plantains for a complete meal that highlights Cuban flavors.

Final Thoughts

Cuban Pollo a la Plancha is an easy yet delicious way to enjoy juicy and flavorful chicken breast. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various sides or marinades. We encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own!