Cuban Pollo a la Plancha (Easy Griddled Chicken Breast)

Cuban Pollo a la Plancha (Easy Griddled Chicken Breast) is a delightful dish that elevates chicken breast with a zesty citrus marinade and spices. This recipe is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. You’ll love how this easy-to-make dish transforms plain chicken into a flavorful, juicy meal that everyone will enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
• Flavorful and Juicy: The citrus marinade ensures that the chicken stays moist and packed with flavor, making each bite enjoyable.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with white rice, black beans, or sweet plantains for a complete meal that suits any palate.
• Healthy Choice: Lean chicken breast offers high protein content while being low in fat, making it a nutritious option.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or seasonings to make this dish uniquely yours.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools and set up your kitchen. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Griddle or grill pan
• Meat mallet or rolling pin
• Shallow dish for marinating
• Large skillet (optional)
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Griddle or grill pan: Creates those beautiful grill marks while ensuring even cooking.
• Meat mallet or rolling pin: Helps tenderize the chicken, leading to better texture and flavor absorption during marination.
• Shallow dish for marinating: Allows the marinade to coat the chicken evenly for maximum flavor.

Ingredients

To prepare Cuban Pollo a la Plancha, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/3 cup mojo marinade (or use storebought)
• 2 teaspoons homemade sazon completa

For Cooking

• 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

1. On a cutting board, place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap.
2. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, slightly pound the chicken until it’s about 1/4-inch thick. This step is crucial as it tenderizes the meat for even cooking.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a shallow dish, add the chicken breasts.
2. Pour in the mojo marinade, coating both sides well.
3. Sprinkle homemade sazon completa over the chicken.
4. Let it marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes to enhance flavor.

Step 3: Heat Your Pan

1. In your griddle or large skillet, heat the neutral oil over medium heat.
2. Ensure it’s hot before adding the chicken to achieve that golden-brown crust.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

1. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess liquid.
2. Place them on the hot pan, cooking each side for about 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown.
3. If desired, top with sliced sautéed onions during the last minute of cooking.

Serve your Cuban Pollo a la Plancha hot with sides like white rice, black beans, or sweet plantains for an authentic experience! Enjoy!

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

Cuban Pollo a la Plancha is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides and garnishes. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

With Sautéed Onions

• Sautéed onions add a sweet and savory flavor that complements the chicken beautifully. Serve them on top for an added layer of taste.

Over White Rice

• A classic pairing, white rice absorbs the citrus flavors of the chicken, making each bite delightful and well-rounded.

Accompanied by Black Beans

• Black beans provide a hearty contrast to the lightness of the chicken. Their creamy texture enhances the overall meal.

Alongside Sweet Plantains

• Sweet plantains offer a deliciously sweet counterpoint to the savory chicken. Their caramelized flavor brings out the best in both dishes.

Drizzled with Extra Mojo Sauce

• For those who love bold flavors, drizzling extra mojo sauce over the chicken adds an additional citrusy kick.

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

To ensure your Cuban Pollo a la Plancha turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Marinate Longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate for several hours or overnight will deepen the flavor and tenderness.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensuring your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F guarantees it’s safe to eat while remaining juicy.
• Preheat Your Pan: A properly heated griddle or skillet is essential for achieving that golden brown crust without drying out the meat.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Cooking in batches prevents steaming and allows each piece of chicken to sear properly, enhancing texture and flavor.
• Let It Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain juices for maximum moisture.
• Customize Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the sazon completa or add other spices according to your taste preferences for a personalized touch.

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

Pairing side dishes with Cuban Pollo a la Plancha can elevate your dining experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Cilantro Lime Rice
   A zesty variation of traditional rice that incorporates fresh cilantro and lime juice, adding brightness to your meal.

2. Fried Yucca
   Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, fried yucca makes for an excellent starchy side that pairs well with chicken.

3. Avocado Salad
   A refreshing salad with ripe avocados, tomatoes, and onions drizzled with lime juice offers a cool contrast to warm chicken.

4. Tostones (Fried Green Plantains)
   Fried green plantains provide crunch and flavor; they can serve as both a side and an appetizer.

5. Grilled Vegetables
   Seasonal vegetables grilled until tender offer a colorful addition that brings healthfulness alongside rich flavors.

6. Corn Salad
   A sweet corn salad mixed with bell peppers and herbs adds sweetness and crunch, balancing out savory elements from the chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Cuban Pollo a la Plancha can be straightforward, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping the marinade: Failing to marinate the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Always allow your chicken to soak in the mojo marinade for at least 20 minutes.
• Not pounding the chicken: Many people skip this step, which is crucial. Pounding the chicken breasts helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.
• Using too high heat: Cooking on high heat may burn the outside while leaving the inside raw. Use medium heat for better results.
• Overcrowding the pan: Placing too much chicken in the pan at once can lower the temperature, causing steaming instead of grilling. Cook in batches for perfect browning.
• Ignoring resting time: Cutting into chicken immediately after cooking releases juices. Letting it rest for a few minutes keeps it moist.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooked Cuban Pollo a la Plancha in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

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

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

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

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat chicken for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in short intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat, add a splash of broth or water, and warm the chicken covered for about 5-7 minutes.

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 is an easy griddled chicken breast recipe that features citrus-marinated chicken cooked to perfection on a grill or griddle.

Can I use other meats?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey or beef for a different flavor profile while keeping the same cooking method.

How do I customize my seasoning?

Feel free to add spices like cumin or paprika to your mojo marinade for extra depth of flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.

Is there a vegetarian option?

For a vegetarian alternative, replace chicken with thick slices of eggplant or portobello mushrooms marinated in mojo sauce and grilled.

Final Thoughts

Cuban Pollo a la Plancha is an incredibly versatile dish that fits perfectly into any meal plan. The juicy, flavorful grilled chicken can be served with rice, beans, or plantains. Feel free to customize it with your favorite sides or toppings!