If you’ve been craving a fresh spin on a classic Cuban, the Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich is about to become your new obsession. This irresistible sandwich is practically bursting with citrusy mojo chicken, melty Swiss cheese, salty ham, tangy pickles, and golden, buttery bread. Each bite offers a perfect mix of juicy, savory, and bright flavors that transport you straight to sunny Havana, no plane ticket required! Whether you’re looking to spice up your lunch routine or wow friends at a weekend get-together, the Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich promises a restaurant-worthy experience right at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need for this Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich is easy to find, yet completely essential for delivering authentic taste and unbeatable satisfaction. Each ingredient brings something special, creating that unique balance of zesty, salty, melty, and crunchy that makes this sandwich such a standout.
- Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts and butterfly or pound them thin so they cook evenly and soak up all the mojo goodness.
- Mojo marinade: This Cuban-inspired citrus-garlic marinade is the heart of the sandwich; make your own or grab a good-quality store-bought version for quick prep.
- Olive oil (for grilling): Just a splash on the grill helps prevent sticky situations and adds richness to the grilled chicken.
- Cuban sandwich rolls or hoagie buns: Authentic Cuban bread gets you closest to the real deal, but hoagie buns work great in a pinch.
- Yellow mustard: The sharp tang of yellow mustard wakes up all the flavors and brings a classic Cuban vibe.
- Swiss cheese: Its perfect meltability and mild nuttiness complement both the chicken and ham.
- Deli ham: Thinly sliced ham brings salty, smoky flavor and a hint of nostalgia.
- Dill pickles: Go generous with the pickles—their crunch and acidity cut through the richness beautifully.
- Butter (softened, for grilling): Spreading butter on the outsides of the rolls creates that irresistibly crisp, golden crust.
How to Make Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by placing your butterflied or pounded-thin chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the mojo marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece is coated. Cover and let it bathe in the marinade for at least 30 minutes, or as long as 8 hours in the fridge. The longer it sits, the deeper the tangy, garlicky flavors will infuse the chicken. Don’t skip or rush this step, as the marinade is absolutely what makes the Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich so extraordinary!
Step 2: Grill the Mojo Chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high and lightly brush with olive oil to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Place on the hot grill and cook each side for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken is deeply charred and fully cooked through. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing—this keeps those flavorful juices locked in and makes for the best texture in your sandwich.
Step 3: Prepare the Bread and Sandwich Layers
While the chicken is resting, slice your Cuban rolls or hoagie buns in half. Slather a generous spread of yellow mustard on both cut sides of each roll. Now comes the fun part: layer on a slice of Swiss cheese, your juicy grilled mojo chicken, a few slices of deli ham, a row of dill pickles, and another slice of Swiss cheese. Each layer adds its own pop of flavor and ensures that perfect bite every time.
Step 4: Butter and Press
Close up your sandwiches and spread the outside of each roll with a good layer of softened butter. Heat a large skillet, griddle, or sandwich press over medium heat. Add the sandwiches and press gently (use a cast iron pan on top if you don’t have a panini press) for 3–4 minutes per side. Your goal is a beautifully golden, crisp crust and gooey, molten cheese—the trademark of any truly great Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich!
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Transfer your sandwiches to a cutting board and let them rest for a minute (if you can resist). Slice each sandwich on the diagonal for that classic look and dig in while everything is oozy and piping hot. Every bite delivers the crunchy, juicy, savory goodness you’ve been dreaming of!
How to Serve Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich
Garnishes
To make your Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich really pop, add some fresh garnishes just before serving. A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds color and a hint of freshness, while extra pickle slices on the side provide extra crunch. A squeeze of lime over the top brightens all the flavors and brings out the citrusy mojo notes.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs perfectly with a bowl of crispy plantain chips or classic Cuban black beans and rice. You could also serve with a light, tangy slaw or a simple green salad. For a real Cuban-inspired feast, try yuca fries or a cup of garlicky mojo dipping sauce on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, try making mini Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich sliders for a party platter or picnic. Stack smaller buns with all the layers and secure each with a cute toothpick. Or, cut whole sandwiches into smaller bites and serve them tapas-style for an exciting appetizer spread. Your guests will love the interactive, hands-on vibe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers (don’t be surprised if you don’t!), wrap each cooled sandwich tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The bread will soften a bit, but the flavors will meld even more deliciously overnight.
Freezing
You can freeze fully assembled, ungrilled sandwiches for busy weeknights. Wrap each one snugly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then grill or press as usual for a fresh-from-the-grill finish.
Reheating
When it’s time to reheat, unwrap your sandwich and warm it in a skillet or sandwich press over medium heat. Press gently to crisp up the bread and re-melt the cheese, which brings back that signature just-made texture and flavor. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it can make the bread soggy.
FAQs
Can I use leftover mojo pork instead of chicken?
Absolutely! A classic Cuban sandwich is traditionally made with pork, so feel free to swap the grilled chicken for leftover mojo pork. The sandwich tastes amazing either way, and it’s a fantastic way to reinvent leftovers.
What’s the best bread to use for a Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich?
Authentic Cuban bread has a crisp, thin crust and soft interior, but it’s not always easy to find. If you can’t source Cuban bread, go for a soft hoagie bun or even a French roll. Just pick something sturdy enough to hold all the fillings and press nicely without falling apart.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the deepest flavor, marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes, but don’t hesitate to let it soak overnight if you have the time. The citrus and spices work their magic the longer the chicken sits in the mojo.
Do I have to press the sandwich?
Pressing is highly recommended because it makes the bread perfectly crisp and fuses all the layers together. If you don’t have a sandwich press, use a heavy pan or skillet to weigh down your sandwich while it grills. The results are just as delicious!
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Just substitute a vegan or dairy-free Swiss-style cheese and use olive oil on the bread instead of butter. You’ll still get fantastic flavor and that craveable meltiness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about how the Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich layers simple ingredients into a spectacular, flavor-packed meal. If you’re ready to shake up your sandwich game and treat yourself to something special, grab these ingredients and fire up the grill. You’ll be amazed at just how delicious homemade Cuban sandwiches can be—get ready for rave reviews at your table!
Print
Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the flavors of Cuba with this mouthwatering Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich. Marinated chicken, Swiss cheese, ham, and pickles are pressed between Cuban bread for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Grilled Mojo Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (butterflied or pounded thin)
- 1/2 cup mojo marinade (orange juice, lime juice, garlic, cumin, oregano, olive oil)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)
For the Sandwich:
- 4 Cuban sandwich rolls or hoagie buns
- 4 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 8 slices deli ham
- 8 slices dill pickles
- 2 tablespoons butter (softened, for grilling the sandwich)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Marinate the chicken in mojo marinade for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Grill the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until fully cooked and charred. Let rest before slicing.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread mustard on both sides of the rolls. Layer with Swiss cheese, grilled mojo chicken, ham, pickles, and another slice of cheese. Close the sandwiches and spread the outside with softened butter.
- Cook the Sandwiches: Heat a skillet or sandwich press over medium heat. Cook the sandwiches for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden brown and cheese is melted. Slice and serve hot.
Notes
- For authentic flavor, use Cuban bread and a cast iron skillet to press the sandwich.
- Mojo marinade can be homemade or store-bought.
- This sandwich is also delicious with leftover mojo pork.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Cuban-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1120mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
