Cuban Grilled Chicken
"This recipe for Cuban Style Grilled Chicken is quick and ..."
🍲 Pollo a la Plancha 🐔
This delicious Cuban chicken dish is perfect for grilling season and is sure to impress your guests! Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it's a family favorite that can be enjoyed year-round.
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🌍 What Is Pollo a la Plancha?
Pollo a la Plancha, which translates to "chicken on the grill," is a popular dish in Cuban cuisine. It features marinated chicken breasts cooked quickly on a hot grill or griddle, resulting in tender, juicy meat with a delightful caramelized exterior. This dish is often served with grilled onions and pairs beautifully with rice and beans or in a sandwich.
🧾 Ingredients
**Base:**
- 1 lb thinly sliced chicken breast
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Dominican oregano (or Mexican oregano)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed or bottled)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large Vidalia onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon golden sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for onions)
**Optional:**
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Prepare the Marinade:**
- In a bowl, combine the chicken breast, kosher salt, black pepper, oregano, cumin, minced garlic, orange juice, and olive oil.
- Mix until the chicken is well coated.
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2. **Marinate the Chicken:**
- Allow the chicken to marinate for 20 minutes. Avoid marinating for too long to prevent the chicken from becoming tough.
3. **Prepare the Onions:**
- Thinly slice the Vidalia onion and place it in a bowl.
- Add the golden sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the onions, mixing well.
4. **Heat the Griddle:**
- Preheat your indoor griddle or stovetop griddle to 375°F (190°C).
5. **Cook the Chicken:**
- Place the marinated chicken on the griddle.
- Cook for about 3 minutes on each side, ensuring not to overcook to keep the chicken juicy.
6. **Caramelize the Onions:**
- In the same griddle, add the prepared onions.
- Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until they begin to soften and caramelize.
7. **Combine and Serve:**
- Once the chicken is cooked, top it with the caramelized onions.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top for added flavor.
🍽️ How to Serve
Serve Pollo a la Plancha with a side of white rice and Cuban black beans, or enjoy it in a sandwich. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a refreshing touch.
💡 Pro Tips
- For added flavor, let the chicken marinate for up to 20 minutes, but no longer.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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- If you don’t have a griddle, a stovetop skillet or outdoor grill works perfectly!
🔥 Why You’ll Love This
Pollo a la Plancha is quick, easy, and bursting with vibrant Cuban flavors. Its versatility makes it perfect for family gatherings, barbecues, or meal prep. Plus, the caramelized onions add a sweet touch that elevates the dish, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!