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Mojo Chicken With Charred Pineapple and Orange

Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Course: dinner
Cuisine: Cuban
Keyword: chicken dinner, chicken thighs, cilantro, gluten free, orange, pineapple
Servings: 4 servings
Author: GFchow @ gfchow.com

Equipment

  • Food Processor

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (approx. 10) trimmed and pat dry
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt for the mojo
  • kosher salt and pepper to season chicken and final dish
  • ½-1 pineapple fresh, cut into chunks (about 3 cups)
  • 1 orange zested, then quartered (I used Cara Cara but use your favorite orange variety)
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil divided
  • 4 garlic cloves peeled and rough chopped
  • 1/2 jalapeño stemmed and de-seeded if you prefer less spice, rough chopped
  • 1/2 cup cilantro roughly chopped
  • 2 large limes zested and juiced (approx. 1/4 cup juice)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • Garnish with cilantro sprigs and lime wedges if desired
  • Serve with rice

Instructions

  • Heat broiler with a rack 6 inches from heat source. On a foil-lined baking sheet drizzle the pineapple chunks and orange quarters with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat, then broil until charred in spots, 8 to 13 minutes. Transfer fruit to a bowl or plate.
  • While fruit is broiling, make the mojo. Place garlic, jalapeño, cilantro, orange zest, lime zest, lime juice, ground cumin, dried oregano, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 1 teaspoon salt into a food processor and run until a coarse paste forms. Transfer mixture to a large bowl.
  • Pat chicken dry and season all over with salt and pepper.
  • Place the chicken thighs on the same foil-lined baking sheet. The leftover juices from the pineapple and oranges will create a nice, fruity flavor for the chicken. Coat chicken with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and broil until cooked through and charred in spots, 15 to 20 minutes (no need to flip). Once chicken cools slightly, slice chicken.
  • Add the charred pineapple and orange wedges to the mojo chicken and serve on a platter. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and garnish with cilantro sprigs and lime wedges, if desired. Serve with a side of rice.
  • Serve with rice, if desired.

Notes

Tofu can be substituted for chicken.
For best results, use fresh pineapple.  
If you aren't a fan of cilantro, use fresh basil or mint as a substitute.
When working with raw chicken always use a separate cutting board and be sure to wash it and the counter thoroughly.  I have a dedicated cutting board for chicken.
My favorite brands of chicken are Empire Kosher Chickens and Bell & Evans.