Cuban Pollo a la Plancha (Easy Griddled Chicken Breast) Recipe
Cuban Pollo a la Plancha is a simple yet flavorful grilled chicken breast marinated in a zesty mojo sauce and seasoned with homemade sazon. This quick and easy recipe results in tender, juicy chicken with a delicious golden crust, perfect for a weeknight dinner paired with classic Cuban sides like rice, black beans, and sweet plantains.
- Author: Mia
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling / Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Cuban
- Diet: Halal
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade & Seasoning
- 1/3 cup mojo marinade (homemade or storebought)
- 2 teaspoons homemade sazon completa
Cooking
- 2–3 tablespoons neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola oil) or unsalted butter for pan frying
Optional Garnish
- Pound the Chicken: Place chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap on a cutting board. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them until they are about 1/4-inch thick. This tenderizes the meat and ensures even cooking for a juicier texture.
- Marinate the Chicken: Put the chicken breasts in a shallow dish. Pour the mojo marinade over them and sprinkle both sides with the homemade sazon completa seasoning. Let them marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Heat the Pan: Preheat a griddle, grill pan, or large skillet over medium heat. Add 2-3 tablespoons of neutral oil or unsalted butter and let it warm up.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess liquid. Cook the breasts on the heated pan in batches if necessary, for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through.
- Serve: Plate the pollo a la plancha with traditional Cuban sides like white rice, black beans, and sweet plantains. Optionally garnish with sautéed onions. Enjoy your flavorful Cuban meal!
Notes
- Do not skip pounding the chicken breasts as it ensures even cooking and tenderness.
- Use homemade mojo marinade for the freshest flavor or substitute with a quality storebought option.
- If using butter, watch the heat to prevent burning.
- Chicken can be marinated up to 1 hour in the refrigerator if not cooking immediately.
- Serve immediately for best texture; leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Cuban chicken, pollo a la plancha, mojo marinade, grilled chicken breast, Cuban recipe, easy chicken dinner