The Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich is one of those glorious mashups that brings a bright, citrusy zing and all the comforting goodness of a classic Cubano together in every bite. Imagine tender slices of mojo-marinated chicken layered with smoky ham, Swiss cheese, zippy pickles, and tangy mustard, all pressed between golden, buttery rolls until melty and crisp. It’s a showstopper for lunch, a crowd-pleaser for cookouts, and a personal favorite that delivers big Cuban-American flavor without a fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich is how just a few fresh, simple ingredients can create such bold flavors. Each one plays a starring role, from the punchy marinade to the crunch of pickles and the classic melty cheese.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless is key for quicker cooking and easier slicing in your sandwich.
- Mojo marinade: A vibrant mix of citrus juices, garlic, olive oil, and cumin that infuses the chicken with unmistakable Cuban flair.
- Cuban sandwich rolls: Slightly soft, yet sturdy enough to hold all the fillings; if unavailable, a soft hoagie roll works beautifully.
- Swiss cheese: Melts perfectly, adding a creamy, nutty layer that ties everything together.
- Deli ham: Adds salty-sweet richness and an essential touch of tradition to the sandwich.
- Dill pickles: Sliced lengthwise for maximum tang and crunch in every bite.
- Yellow mustard: A classic layer that awakens all the flavors with its zip and color.
- Butter: Softened and spread on the outside of your rolls for an irresistibly golden, crisp finish.
How to Make Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness—this ensures quick, even grilling and super-tender results. Place them in a shallow dish, then cover with your homemade or store-bought mojo marinade. The marinade is like magic, transforming the chicken with bright citrus, earthy cumin, and lots of garlic. Cover everything and let those flavors mingle for at least 30 minutes in the fridge (or prep ahead and marinate up to 8 hours).
Step 2: Grill the Mojo Chicken
Once marinated, preheat your grill or a grill pan to medium-high. Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess before grilling. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until you get gorgeous grill marks and the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Transfer to a plate to rest for about 5 minutes so those tasty juices stay right where you want them.
Step 3: Slice the Chicken and Prep Your Rolls
After resting, slice the grilled mojo chicken thinly—think perfect sandwich slices. Split your Cuban rolls or hoagie rolls, and smear a nice layer of yellow mustard inside each one. Now you’re ready for the ultimate sandwich building!
Step 4: Layer and Assemble
Start your Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich assembly with a slice of Swiss cheese on the bottom roll. Next, add a generous portion of your sliced grilled mojo chicken, followed by deli ham and long, tangy pickle slices. Top with another slice of Swiss, then close the sandwich. This stacking order ensures even melting and that every bite is loaded with flavor.
Step 5: Press and Grill
Spread the outsides of your bread with softened butter (this is what gives you that deliciously crisp, golden finish). Place your sandwiches on a hot griddle, skillet, or panini press—whichever you have. Press gently, and cook each side for about 3–4 minutes. The result: a beautifully toasted sandwich with melty cheese, warm fillings, and a satisfying crunch. Slice and serve your Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich immediately while hot.
How to Serve Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich
Garnishes
Add some classic Cuban flair by garnishing your Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich with extra pickle slices or a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro on the side. For a creamy touch, try a swipe of garlic aioli or a drizzle of hot sauce—both complement the citrusy notes of the mojo chicken beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pairing this sandwich with the right sides elevates the experience into a full meal. Crisp plantain chips, sweet potato fries, or a simple black bean salad make perfect partners. Even a cup of chilled gazpacho or a fresh mango slaw can bring a little more sunshine to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive spread, slice the sandwiches into bite-sized pieces and serve as a party platter with picks. Turn them into sliders using mini rolls for a fun twist. You can also wrap sandwiches in parchment for a picnic or lunch-on-the-go—there’s no wrong way to present a Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which might be rare!), wrap your Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 2 days. They’ll stay tasty, though the bread may soften a bit—the flavors will still shine through!
Freezing
You can freeze assembled, unpressed sandwiches for convenience. Wrap each sandwich tightly in foil, then place in a freezer bag for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and press or grill as usual.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the sandwich and heat it in a skillet or on a panini press over medium heat until the cheese is melted and the bread crisp again—about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy; a toaster oven works in a pinch for restoring crispness.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this sandwich?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken can stand in. Just be sure to toss it with a bit of mojo marinade to keep that signature flavor of Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich.
What if I can’t find Cuban rolls?
Soft hoagie rolls or even French baguette sections work well. The key is using bread that’s soft enough to press but sturdy enough to hold all your fillings and get that irresistible golden crust.
Is there a vegetarian version of this sandwich?
For a meatless take, swap the grilled chicken and ham for layers of marinated grilled portobello mushrooms and roasted red peppers flavored with mojo spices. You’ll still get all the punchy flavors in a tasty vegetarian Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich-inspired bite.
Can I make the mojo marinade ahead of time?
Yes! The mojo marinade actually gets better with a little rest. Mix it up to three days ahead and keep it sealed in the fridge until you’re ready to marinate your chicken.
What cheese works instead of Swiss?
While Swiss is classic, provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a mild cheddar can be substituted when making your Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich. Each cheese melts beautifully and adds a unique character to the sandwich.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to bring a little Cuban sunshine to your kitchen, this Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich is always a winner. It brings bold, bright flavors together in a way that’s both comforting and exciting. Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and treat yourself (and a lucky friend or two) to this irresistible pressed Cuban favorite!
Print
Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (not including marinating)
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Pressed Sandwich
- Cuisine: Cuban-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the flavors of Cuba with this Grilled Mojo Chicken Cuban Sandwich. Tender, marinated grilled chicken layered with Swiss cheese, ham, pickles, and mustard, all pressed between crispy bread slices. A delightful blend of tangy, savory, and cheesy goodness!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup mojo marinade (orange juice, lime juice, garlic, olive oil, cumin)
- 4 Cuban sandwich rolls or soft hoagie rolls
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 cup sliced deli ham
- 1/2 cup dill pickles, sliced lengthwise
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
Chicken:
Sandwich:
Instructions
- Pound the chicken breasts: Even thickness and marinate in mojo.
- Grill the chicken: Cook until 165°F, then slice thinly.
- Prepare the sandwich: Layer cheese, chicken, ham, pickles, and mustard.
- Grill the sandwich: Press on griddle until golden and cheese melts.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy hot!
Notes
- Substitute sour orange juice if needed.
- Garlic aioli can enhance the marinade’s flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1120mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
