Get ready to embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant streets of Cuba! Cuban Garlic Chicken is a dish that captures the essence of Cuban cuisine: bold flavors, simple ingredients, and a whole lot of heart. This classic recipe features tender, juicy chicken marinated in a tangy, garlicky sauce, then roasted to perfection. The result? A mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
INGREDIENTS
- 6–8 lbs whole chickens (2 chickens, 3–4 lbs each, cut into pieces)
- 12 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
- 1 cup sour orange juice (or ½ cup orange juice mixed with ½ cup lime juice)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
DIRECTIONS
- Place the chicken pieces in a large container or an extra-large resealable plastic bag.
- In a small bowl, combine the garlic, sour orange juice, salt, vinegar, pepper, oregano, and cumin. Pour the marinade evenly over the chicken. Cover the container or seal the bag, and mix well to coat the chicken. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F. Arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer in a roasting pan, pouring any remaining marinade over the top.
- Roast the chicken on the lower rack of the oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring during the last 10 minutes to ensure the chicken is well-coated with the sauce. Roast until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce starts to caramelize.
- Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and drizzle the garlic sauce from the pan over the pieces. Serve hot.
