Introduction

The Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich is a mouthwatering twist on the classic Cuban sandwich, bringing together bold, savory flavors with a deliciously smoky twist. The key to this sandwich is the Mojo marinade—a vibrant citrus-based blend of garlic, herbs, and spices—that infuses the chicken with intense flavor. Paired with Swiss cheese, tender ham, tangy pickles, and zesty mustard, this sandwich delivers an unforgettable combination of savory, spicy, and sour notes.

Grilling the marinated chicken gives it a smoky depth that contrasts beautifully with the melty Swiss cheese, while the crispy sandwich rolls bring everything together. Whether you’re craving a quick lunch or a flavorful dinner, this sandwich satisfies on all fronts. The crispy, grilled exterior, combined with the juicy chicken and rich fillings, makes each bite a burst of flavors. It’s an ideal dish to serve for a casual meal with family and friends, or as a delicious treat for a weekend barbecue.

Perfectly balanced with layers of taste and texture, this Cuban-inspired sandwich is bound to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. So, fire up the grill and get ready to indulge in a deliciously satisfying bite of Cuban goodness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mojo Marinade Flavor: The tangy, garlicky Mojo marinade gives the chicken an authentic Cuban flavor, creating a juicy and flavorful base for the sandwich.
Perfect Balance of Ingredients: Swiss cheese, ham, pickles, and mustard create a well-rounded flavor profile that’s salty, savory, tangy, and creamy.
Grilled Perfection: Grilling the chicken and pressing the sandwich results in a perfectly crispy exterior, with a melty, gooey interior—just like a Cuban sandwich should be.
Quick and Easy: With a 1-hour marinating time and a 15-minute grilling session, this sandwich is simple to prepare yet packed with impressive flavors.
Customizable: While this recipe stays true to the Cuban classic, you can adjust the toppings, like adding extra condiments or a different type of cheese, to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Mojo marinade
Swiss cheese slices
Ham slices
Pickles
Sandwich rolls
Mustard

Variations

Vegetarian: Skip the ham and chicken, and add a plant-based protein or extra veggies like roasted peppers and onions for a vegetarian version.
Different Cheese: Swap the Swiss cheese for a provolone or mozzarella to change up the flavor.
Spicy Cuban: Add some sliced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sandwich for an added kick of heat.
Toasted Sandwich: If you don’t have a panini press, toast the sandwich in a skillet with a heavy pan on top to achieve the same crispy, grilled effect.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Marinate the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in Mojo marinade for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to soak into the chicken.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Preheat the grill and cook the chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side, or until they are fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches

Slice the sandwich rolls in half. On the bottom half of each roll, layer the Swiss cheese, followed by two slices of ham, a few slices of pickles, and the grilled chicken. Add mustard to taste on the top half of the roll, then close the sandwiches.

Step 4: Press and Grill the Sandwiches

Place the assembled sandwiches in a panini press or grill them in a skillet, pressing down until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy and golden brown, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the sandwiches from the press, slice in half, and serve hot. Enjoy the deliciously crispy, melty Cuban flavors!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Marinade: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least an hour gives it more flavor, but if you’re in a rush, even 30 minutes will work.
Grill the Chicken with Care: Make sure the chicken is cooked through but not overcooked to maintain its juiciness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C).
Pressing the Sandwich: If you don’t have a panini press, a heavy skillet or another large pan can be used to press the sandwich while grilling.
Add More Pickles: If you like a tangy flavor, feel free to add more pickles to your sandwich.
Serve with Fries: For an extra indulgence, serve these sandwiches with crispy fries or a side salad to balance the richness.

How to Serve

This sandwich is best served hot and crispy straight from the grill. Pair it with crispy fries, a side of coleslaw, or a fresh green salad to create a complete meal. It’s also fantastic with a cold beverage like iced tea or a mojito for an authentic Cuban dining experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

While Cuban sandwiches are best served fresh, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the sandwich from getting soggy, store the components separately and assemble when ready to eat.

Freezing

If you plan to make extra sandwiches, you can freeze the grilled chicken separately and assemble the sandwiches when you’re ready. Freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, place the sandwich in a skillet over medium heat, pressing it with a pan to recreate the crispy exterior, or microwave it for 30-45 seconds if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs or chicken tenders for boneless breasts if preferred.

2. Can I use store-bought Mojo marinade?

Yes, store-bought Mojo marinade works just fine if you’re short on time, but homemade Mojo will offer a richer flavor.

3. Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the chicken and ham with vegetables like grilled peppers, onions, or a plant-based protein.

4. Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?

It’s best to assemble and grill the sandwich fresh, but you can prep the chicken and marinate it in advance to save time.

5. How do I make the bread crispy without a panini press?

If you don’t have a panini press, you can use a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan to press down on the sandwich while grilling.

6. Can I add extra toppings?

Absolutely! Feel free to add extras like avocado, onions, or spicy mustard for more flavor.

7. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) when fully cooked.

8. Can I use other cheeses?

Yes, provolone or mozzarella would also work well in this sandwich, giving it a slightly different flavor.

9. Can I make this sandwich on the stove?

Yes, you can grill the sandwich in a skillet with a heavy pan on top for pressing if you don’t have a panini press.

10. How many sandwiches does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 4 sandwiches, but you can easily double the ingredients to serve more.

Conclusion

The Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich is a flavorful twist on the classic Cuban sandwich, bringing together grilled chicken, melted Swiss cheese, tangy pickles, and savory ham all pressed between crispy sandwich rolls. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, this sandwich is sure to become a favorite for any occasion. Easy to make yet impressively delicious, it’s the ideal meal for a quick dinner, weekend lunch, or a delicious treat to share with friends.