Grilling season is here and these Cuban mojo grilled chicken wings are perfect for summer cookouts. These wings pack a bold citrus flavor that marries zesty garlic, bitter oranges and spices. During the summer months, I make these grilled chicken wings almost weekly and they're a hit with my family.

These wings are finger licking good and great when you're hosting a backyard barbecue or want to give your dinner routine a Caribbean twist. These wings are made with my family's mojo marinade recipe. This recipe was passed down to me by my dad who was a chef in Cuba and it offers delicious chicken every single time.

Why you'll love it

Grilled Cuban mojo chicken wings offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that appeal to a wide range of taste buds. Here's why people love them:

Bold and Bright Flavors: The citrusy tang of the mojo marinade combined with the savory garlic and aromatic spices creates a vibrant and unforgettable taste experience.
Crispy Skin, Juicy Meat: Grilling the wings ensures a crispy, caramelized exterior while keeping the meat juicy and tender.
Versatility: Grilled mojo chicken wings can be enjoyed on their own, as part of a larger spread, or as a game-day appetizer. Great recipe when you need to feed a crowd.
Perfect for Sharing: The finger food format makes them ideal for parties and gatherings. Perfect for game day / Super Bowl parties and pool parties.
Unique Flavor Profile: Cuban mojo offers a refreshing departure from traditional barbecue or buffalo wings, providing a unique and exciting taste experience.
Summertime Vibes: The combination of grilling and citrusy flavors evokes a sense of summer fun and relaxation. This simple recipe is perfect for summer cook outs.
Low Carb: This is perfect for anyone looking for a keto or low carbohydrate friendly barbecue chicken recipe.

What is Cuban Mojo?

Cuban Mojo is the base marinade for many proteins in Cuban cuisine. It's made with naranja agria (sour orange) tons of garlic and spices. It's a versatile marinade thats great on almost all proteins. It imparts a bold flavor with a big citrus tang.

Ingredients needed for these grilled mojo chicken wings

Cuban mojo marinade
- Sour orange juice (also known as bitter orange juice)
- Garlic cloves
- Dried Oregano
- Onion powder
- Cumin
- Fresh ground black pepper
- Sugar
- Salt
- Sazon Completa
- Olive Oil
Chicken Wings

Instructions for this mojo chicken recipe

Place all the marinade ingredients for your mojo in a food processor and pulse until well combined.

Place your raw chicken wings in a large bowl or large freezer bag and pat chicken dry with paper towel.

Pour in the mojo sauce into the bowl and give the chicken a good mix to ensure all the wings are well coated.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or seal the freezer bag and place in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight.

Once you're ready to cook your wings, prepare your grill and oil the grill grates and heat grill to medium heat or about 350 degrees.

Place your wings in a single layer and cook for about 10 minutes. At the halfway mark, flip them over.

If some are starting to char too much, I flip those over. Keep monitoring and flipping as they all darken. If a few pieces seem to be too dark compared to the others, shift them to a cooler part of the grill that has less indirect heat.

After another 10 minutes, shuffle the wings around as needed and once they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees you can remove them from the grill.

Place the crisp wings on your serving tray and garnish with lime wedges and minced cilantro.

Variations/Substitutions for mojo wings

Can't find sour oranges? Opt instead for ⅔ orange juice and ⅓ lime juice.

Don't like chicken wings? Use this recipe and method to grill a whole chicken, boneless chicken or chicken quarters instead.

Don't have 6 hours to fully marinade the chicken? Marinade for only 2-3 hours.

Don't have a grill or don't want to start up the barbecue? You can also cook these in the air fryer.

Mojo Marinade Tweaks:

Spicy Mojo: Add a kick of heat with jalapeños, habanero peppers, or a dash of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
Citrus Infusion: Experiment with different citrus fruits like grapefruit, tangerine, or blood orange for a unique flavor profile.
Herbal Twist: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro, oregano, or even a sprig of thyme into the marinade.
Sweet Heat: Balance the tanginess of the mojo with a touch of sweetness by adding a spoonful of honey or agave nectar.

Cooking Methods:

Smoked Wings: For an extra layer of flavor, smoke the marinated wings over wood chips like apple, hickory, or mesquite.
Air Fryer Magic: For a healthier alternative, cook the wings in an air fryer until crispy.
Oven-Baked Wings: If grilling isn't an option, bake the wings in a hot oven until crispy.

Storage for these Cuban spiced chicken wings

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the deliciousness of your grilled Cuban mojo chicken wings. Here's how to store them:

Refrigerator Storage:

Cool Completely: Allow the wings to cool completely to room temperature before storing.
Airtight Container: Place the cooled wings in an airtight container.
Storage Time: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing:

Cool Completely: As with refrigerator storage, allow the wings to cool completely.
Portioning: Consider portioning the wings into meal-sized portions for easier reheating.
Airtight Containers: Place the cooled wings in airtight freezer-safe containers or bags.
Storage Time: Frozen chicken wings can last for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating:

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place wings on a baking sheet and reheat for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Air Fryer: Reheat wings in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until crispy.
Microwave (Not Recommended): While possible, microwaving can make the wings soggy. If necessary, reheat on low power in short intervals.

Important Tips:

Always allow the wings to cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
Label your containers with the date for easy reference.
Reheat wings thoroughly until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your delicious Cuban mojo chicken wings for days or even weeks after grilling!

Cuban Mojo Grilled Chicken Wings