If you’re on the hunt for a sandwich that absolutely bursts with bold flavor, you have to try the Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich. Juicy, citrus-marinated grilled chicken, oozy Swiss cheese, smoky ham, and sharp pickles all come together between crusty golden bread for a bite that’s succulent, savory, and famously Cuban. This is the kind of sandwich that makes any lunch feel like a celebration, whether you prep it for a special occasion or just to jazz up an ordinary afternoon.

Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the greatest joys of the Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich is how simple the ingredients are—each one brings a crucial flavor note, creating pure magic when layered together. Don’t skip a single one, because every component contributes to the taste, texture, or color that makes this sandwich so iconic.

Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs stay juicy on the grill and soak up all the mojo goodness.
Mojo marinade: A lively blend of orange juice, lime, garlic, olive oil, oregano, and cumin that infuses the chicken with citrusy, garlicky punch.
Cuban sandwich rolls or soft hoagie rolls: The structure for your sandwich—authentic Cuban bread is ideal, but hoagie rolls work beautifully, too.
Swiss cheese slices: Creamy Swiss adds meltiness and balances the tangy and savory notes.
Deli ham slices: Smoky ham brings a classic Cuban sandwich flavor and a hint of saltiness.
Dill pickle slices: Pickles lend an essential zippy crunch that cuts through rich meats and cheese.
Yellow mustard: A schmear of mustard brings just the right amount of zing to tie everything together.
Butter for grilling: Brushing the bread with melted butter ensures a golden, crisp exterior every single time.

How to Make Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken thighs in a shallow dish and pour the mojo marinade over them, making sure every bit of meat is coated. Let that sit, covered, in the refrigerator for at least an hour—though if you can wait overnight, you’ll really taste the difference! This marination is where all the citrus, garlic, and spice flavors get deep inside the chicken for maximum juiciness and tang.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill to medium-high. Remove the marinated chicken and let any excess marinade drip off. Grill the thighs for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until they’re cooked through and beautifully charred in spots. That light char adds an irresistible smoky note. Once the chicken is done, let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing it thinly—this keeps all the juices locked in!

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches

Split your Cuban rolls or hoagie buns and generously spread yellow mustard inside each half. Then it’s time to stack the flavors: lay down a slice of Swiss cheese, then arrange the grilled mojo chicken, then folds of deli ham, pickle slices, and finish with another slice of Swiss. Close it up so every bite promises layers of flavor.

Step 4: Grill the Sandwiches

Lightly butter the outsides of your sandwiches—don’t be shy, this is what makes that signature golden crust. Grill on a panini press, grill pan, or skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side. Press the sandwich down as it grills, so everything melds and that cheese gets perfectly melty. The bread should be crisp and golden brown when it’s ready. Slice and get ready to enjoy immediately!

How to Serve Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich

Garnishes

A classic Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich is perfection on its own, but you can amp it up even more with a few simple garnishes. Try a handful of fresh cilantro leaves or extra sliced pickles served on the side for an extra punch of freshness. A finishing sprinkle of flaky salt right after grilling also brightens every bite.

Side Dishes

Nothing beats pairing your Cuban sandwich with classic sides. Think crisp plantain chips, a chilled black bean salad, or even a scoop of tangy coleslaw. Sweet potato fries and a light green salad also go wonderfully, balancing out the richness of the sandwich. Don’t forget a cold, bubbly beverage to wash it down!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re making these sandwiches for a party, try slicing each Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich into smaller portions and secure them with cocktail picks for easy sharing. For a family dinner, serve them whole with a side of extra mojo marinade for dipping. Get playful and create a “build-your-own” sandwich bar—set out all the ingredients and let everyone layer their perfect stack!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich, wrap it tightly in foil and refrigerate—these sandwiches keep well for up to two days. The flavors tend to meld further overnight, making it delicious even the next day for lunch!

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual sandwiches (before grilling, for best results) tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then pop them into the freezer. Defrost in the fridge overnight before finishing on the skillet to re-crisp and melt the cheese. This technique lets you enjoy a Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich on even your busier days.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat your sandwich in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of butter, pressing gently to get that irresistible crunch back. You can also try popping it in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or until warmed through. We don’t recommend microwaving—it can make the bread soggy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work as a leaner alternative, but thighs stay juicier and more flavorful after grilling—just watch the cook time so they don’t dry out!

What’s the best bread for a Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich?

Cuban bread is the gold standard, thanks to its crispy crust and light, airy crumb. However, soft hoagie rolls or even French bread work if you can’t find the real thing.

Do I have to marinate the chicken overnight?

While overnight marinating yields the deepest flavor, even an hour will give your chicken wonderful citrus and garlic notes. If you’re short on time, just marinate for as long as you can.

Can I make this sandwich without a grill?

Absolutely! You can cook the mojo-marinated chicken in a grill pan or cast iron skillet on the stove, or even bake it in the oven—just crank up the broiler at the end to get a little char.

How can I make the mojo marinade from scratch?

To whip up your own, combine 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin. Whisk and use immediately!

Final Thoughts

If you love sandwiches that deliver huge flavor with every bite, you owe it to yourself to try this Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich. It’s a crowd-pleaser you’ll make again and again, whether for a festive gathering or just an upgraded weekday lunch. Give it a go—you might just discover your new favorite sandwich!

Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This recipe for Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich is a delicious take on the classic Cuban sandwich, featuring marinated grilled chicken thighs layered with Swiss cheese, ham, pickles, and mustard on a soft hoagie roll. Perfect for a flavorful lunch or dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 cup mojo marinade (orange juice, lime juice, garlic, olive oil, oregano, cumin)

For the Sandwich:

4 Cuban sandwich rolls or soft hoagie rolls
8 slices Swiss cheese
8 slices deli ham
8 dill pickle slices
Yellow mustard
2 tablespoons butter (for grilling)

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken thighs in a shallow dish and pour the mojo marinade over them. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through. Let rest, then slice thinly.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread mustard on the inside of the rolls. Layer with cheese, grilled chicken, ham, pickles, and more cheese. Close the sandwiches.
Grill the Sandwiches: Butter the outside of the sandwiches. Grill on a panini press or skillet for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cheese is melted. Slice and serve.