Sunday, April 15, 2007

Spicy Cuban Mojo Chicken

From Andrea's Kitchen

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For the Marinade:

1 teaspoon cumin seed
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 fresh red chile pepper, chopped (I used a Serano since my in-laws aren't big on spice)
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
5 teaspoons orange juice
5 teaspoons lemon juice
2 (8 ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon lime zest
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon sweet soy sauce
1/4 cup cold, unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/2 cup diced mango
1/2 avocado
chopped fresh cilantro to taste
chopped fresh parsley to taste

DIRECTIONS
1. Toast the cumin seeds in a dry skillet over medium-high heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Place the cumin seeds, garlic, chile pepper, salt, olive oil, orange juice, and lemon juice into the bowl of a blender; grind to a coarse paste. Toss the chicken with the marinade, then place into the refrigerator, and allow to marinate for about 2 1/2 hours.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until browned. Place into the oven, and cook until the juices run clear, about 8 minutes. When the chicken is done, remove, cover with foil, and allow to rest for 3 to 5 minutes.
4. While the chicken is in the oven, whisk together the olive oil, orange juice, lime zest, honey, and soy sauce in a skillet over medium-high heat. Simmer until the orange juice has reduced to 1/3 of original volume and is beginning to get thick and syrupy. Once thick, remove from heat, and whisk in the butter pieces one at a time until melted; set aside. (I would consider making more sauce next time I prepare this and I will prepare it again!)
5. To serve, place chicken on the plate and sprinkle with mango and avocado. Drizzle with the sauce, and garnish with cilantro and parsley.

Side dish:

I served this with Jasmin rice that was cooked in chicken broth. When the rice was done I stirred in some chopped cilantro, olive oil and rice vinegar. It was tasty seconds with some of the mango, avocado and sauce over the top!

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