Slow Cooker Mojo Chicken: A Flavorful and Effortless Meal
Craving a taste of vibrant Cuban flavors without spending hours in the kitchen? Look no further than this incredible slow cooker mojo chicken recipe. It’s a simple, hands-off way to create a tender, juicy, and incredibly flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even meal prepping. The citrusy, garlicky mojo marinade infuses every fiber of the chicken, resulting in a dish that’s both satisfying and incredibly easy to prepare. This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves delicious food but doesn’t always have a lot of time.
What is Mojo?
Mojo (pronounced “mo-ho”) is a traditional Cuban marinade and sauce that’s characterized by its bright, citrusy flavors. The base usually consists of sour orange juice (or a combination of orange and lime juice), garlic, oregano, cumin, and olive oil. Some variations include other spices like paprika or chili flakes for a touch of heat. Mojo is incredibly versatile and can be used to marinate meats (especially pork and chicken), vegetables, or even as a dipping sauce.
The beauty of mojo is its simplicity. The ingredients are readily available, and the preparation is quick and easy. The flavor profile is complex and delicious, offering a balance of tangy citrus, savory garlic, and aromatic herbs.
Why Use a Slow Cooker?
The slow cooker is the perfect tool for making mojo chicken because it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully over a long period of time. The low and slow cooking process also ensures that the chicken becomes incredibly tender and juicy, practically falling off the bone. This method is particularly beneficial for chicken breasts, which can sometimes dry out when cooked in the oven or on the stovetop.
Another advantage of using a slow cooker is its convenience. Simply combine the ingredients in the pot, set the timer, and forget about it! This makes it an ideal option for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. You can come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal that requires minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious slow cooker mojo chicken:
* **Chicken:** This recipe works well with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. You can also use bone-in chicken pieces, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted. I typically use about 2-3 pounds of chicken.
* **Sour Orange Juice:** Authentic mojo calls for sour orange juice (also known as naranja agria). If you can’t find sour oranges, you can substitute with a combination of equal parts orange juice and lime juice. The combination of orange and lime provides a similar tangy and slightly bitter flavor profile.
* **Orange Juice:** Freshly squeezed orange juice is always best, but store-bought orange juice will also work in a pinch.
* **Lime Juice:** Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential for the bright, citrusy flavor of the mojo.
* **Garlic:** Lots of garlic! Mojo is all about the garlic flavor, so don’t be shy. I usually use about 6-8 cloves, minced.
* **Olive Oil:** Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and helps to emulsify the marinade.
* **Oregano:** Dried oregano is a key ingredient in mojo. It adds a warm, herbaceous note to the sauce.
* **Cumin:** Ground cumin adds a subtle earthy and slightly smoky flavor.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Adjust the amount of salt and pepper according to your preference.
* **Optional Additions:** You can customize your mojo with other ingredients like paprika (for a hint of smokiness), chili flakes (for a touch of heat), or chopped cilantro (for a fresh, herbaceous flavor).
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the most amazing slow cooker mojo chicken:
**Step 1: Prepare the Mojo Marinade**
In a large bowl, whisk together the sour orange juice (or orange and lime juice mixture), orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Whisk until all ingredients are well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. This is your mojo marinade! The flavor should be bright, tangy, and garlicky.
**Step 2: Marinate the Chicken**
Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker. Pour the mojo marinade over the chicken, making sure that all pieces are well coated. You can gently toss the chicken in the marinade to ensure even coverage. For optimal flavor, it’s best to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip the marinating step and still achieve delicious results. You can also marinate the chicken in a ziplock bag in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours before placing it in the slow cooker. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken even more deeply.
**Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken**
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
**Step 4: Shred the Chicken**
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and toss it with the remaining mojo sauce. This will help to keep the chicken moist and flavorful. Alternatively, if you prefer a slightly drier chicken, you can shred it and serve it separately with the mojo sauce on the side.
**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!**
Serve the slow cooker mojo chicken hot. It’s delicious served in tacos, burritos, bowls, or over rice. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped cilantro, diced onions, avocado slices, or a squeeze of lime juice. You can also serve it with a side of black beans, plantains, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Mojo Chicken
* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Keep an eye on the cooking time and check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s cooked through but not overdone.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Freshly squeezed citrus juices and freshly minced garlic will result in the best flavor.
* **Adjust the Seasoning to Your Taste:** Taste the mojo marinade before adding the chicken and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Add more salt, pepper, or cumin as needed.
* **Add Some Heat:** If you like a little spice, add a pinch of chili flakes to the mojo marinade.
* **Thicken the Sauce (Optional):** If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help to thicken the sauce slightly.
* **Sear the Chicken (Optional):** For added flavor and texture, you can sear the chicken breasts in a hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. This will create a beautiful crust on the chicken and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This slow cooker mojo chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas:
* **Tacos:** Serve the shredded chicken in warm tortillas with your favorite taco toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, avocado, and salsa.
* **Burrito Bowls:** Create delicious burrito bowls with a base of rice, black beans, corn, and the mojo chicken. Top with your favorite toppings, such as guacamole, sour cream, and salsa.
* **Salads:** Add the shredded chicken to a fresh salad for a protein-packed and flavorful meal.
* **Sandwiches:** Use the shredded chicken to make delicious sandwiches or sliders. Top with coleslaw or your favorite sandwich toppings.
* **Over Rice:** Serve the shredded chicken over a bed of white or brown rice. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
* **Nachos:** Top tortilla chips with shredded chicken, cheese, and your favorite nacho toppings. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
* **Make Ahead:** The mojo marinade can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also marinate the chicken in the marinade overnight for even more flavor.
* **Storage:** Leftover slow cooker mojo chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store in an airtight container.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You may need to add a little bit of water or broth to the chicken to prevent it from drying out.
* **Freezing:** Cooked slow cooker mojo chicken can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Store in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Variations
* **Spicy Mojo Chicken:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño pepper to the mojo marinade for a spicy kick.
* **Pineapple Mojo Chicken:** Add diced pineapple to the slow cooker for a sweet and tangy twist.
* **Bell Pepper and Onion Mojo Chicken:** Add sliced bell peppers and onions to the slow cooker along with the chicken for a more substantial meal.
* **Citrus Herb Mojo Chicken:** Add fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or mint to the mojo marinade for a more complex flavor.
* **Mojo Pork:** Substitute pork shoulder or pork loin for the chicken for a delicious mojo pork dish.
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.)
* Calories: Approximately 300-400 per serving
* Protein: 30-40 grams per serving
* Fat: 10-20 grams per serving
* Carbohydrates: 5-10 grams per serving
Recipe Card
**Slow Cooker Mojo Chicken**
A flavorful and effortless meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
**Servings:** 6-8
**Ingredients:**
* 2-3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
* 1 cup sour orange juice (or 1/2 cup orange juice + 1/2 cup lime juice)
* 1/2 cup orange juice
* 1/4 cup lime juice
* 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 tablespoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: Paprika, chili flakes, chopped cilantro
**Instructions:**
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the sour orange juice (or orange and lime juice mixture), orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker. Pour the mojo marinade over the chicken, making sure that all pieces are well coated.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
5. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and toss it with the remaining mojo sauce.
6. Serve hot in tacos, burritos, bowls, or over rice. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped cilantro, diced onions, avocado slices, or a squeeze of lime juice.
**Notes:**
* For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
* Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
* Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
* Thicken the sauce by whisking together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stirring it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Enjoy this flavorful and easy slow cooker mojo chicken recipe! It’s a surefire way to impress your family and friends with minimal effort.
Related Recipes
Here are some other recipes you might enjoy:
* Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
* Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
* Cuban Black Beans
This slow cooker mojo chicken recipe is a fantastic way to bring the vibrant flavors of Cuba to your table with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work, resulting in tender, juicy, and incredibly flavorful chicken that’s perfect for a variety of dishes. Give it a try and let me know what you think!