Slow Cooker Mojo Chicken: A Flavorful and Effortless Weeknight Meal
Craving vibrant, citrusy, and incredibly tender chicken but short on time? Look no further than this Slow Cooker Mojo Chicken recipe! This dish is bursting with Cuban-inspired flavors thanks to a zesty mojo marinade, and the slow cooker does all the work. Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the intoxicating aroma of garlic, citrus, and herbs, knowing that dinner is already ready and waiting. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or even a casual weekend gathering.
## What is Mojo?
Mojo (pronounced “mo-ho”) is a classic Cuban marinade and sauce typically made with sour oranges (like Seville oranges), garlic, oregano, cumin, and sometimes other citrus fruits like lime or lemon. It’s tangy, savory, and packed with flavor, making it a fantastic complement to chicken, pork, and other meats. While traditional mojo calls for sour oranges, this recipe utilizes readily available ingredients to achieve a similar vibrant taste.
## Why Slow Cooker Mojo Chicken?
* **Effortless Cooking:** The slow cooker is a game-changer for busy individuals. Simply combine the ingredients, set the timer, and let the magic happen. No need to babysit the stove or oven!
* **Tender and Juicy Chicken:** The low and slow cooking process ensures that the chicken becomes incredibly tender and falls off the bone. The mojo marinade deeply penetrates the meat, resulting in maximum flavor in every bite.
* **Make-Ahead Meal:** This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can prepare the mojo marinade in advance and store it in the refrigerator. On cooking day, simply combine the marinade with the chicken in the slow cooker.
* **Versatile:** Slow Cooker Mojo Chicken can be served in a variety of ways. Enjoy it shredded in tacos, burritos, or bowls. Serve it over rice or quinoa with your favorite sides. Or, simply enjoy it as a main course with a fresh salad.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Chicken:** 2-3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (thighs are generally more flavorful and stay moister in the slow cooker)
* **Citrus:** 1 cup orange juice, ½ cup lime juice, zest of 1 orange, zest of 2 limes
* **Garlic:** 6-8 cloves, minced
* **Olive Oil:** ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
* **Oregano:** 2 tablespoons dried oregano
* **Cumin:** 1 tablespoon ground cumin
* **Salt:** 1-2 teaspoons, or to taste
* **Black Pepper:** ½ – 1 teaspoon, or to taste
* **Optional:** 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and minced (for a bit of heat)
## Equipment
* Slow Cooker (6-quart or larger)
* Citrus Juicer
* Zester
* Mixing Bowl
* Measuring Cups and Spoons
## Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Prepare the Mojo Marinade:**
* In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, orange zest, lime zest, minced garlic, olive oil, sliced onion, dried oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, and optional minced jalapeño (if using).
2. **Marinate the Chicken (Optional but Recommended):**
* Place the chicken in the slow cooker insert or a large resealable bag.
* Pour the mojo marinade over the chicken, ensuring that it’s evenly coated.
* If using a bag, seal it tightly and massage the marinade into the chicken. If using the slow cooker insert, use tongs to turn the chicken to coat it.
* For best results, marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
3. **Slow Cook the Chicken:**
* Transfer the chicken (if marinated in a bag) to the slow cooker insert.
* Pour any remaining marinade from the bag over 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 easily shredded with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. **Shred the Chicken:**
* Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove it from the slow cooker using tongs.
* Place the chicken on a cutting board and shred it using two forks.
5. **Return Chicken to Slow Cooker (Optional):**
* If desired, return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and toss it with the remaining mojo sauce. This will keep the chicken warm and allow it to absorb even more flavor. Cook on low for another 30 minutes.
6. **Serve and Enjoy:**
* Serve the Slow Cooker Mojo Chicken hot. Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice, if desired.
## Serving Suggestions
Slow Cooker Mojo Chicken is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious serving ideas:
* **Tacos:** Shredded mojo chicken makes a fantastic taco filling. Serve with your favorite taco toppings like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and shredded cheese.
* **Burrito Bowls:** Create a vibrant burrito bowl with rice, black beans, corn, salsa, avocado, and a generous serving of mojo chicken.
* **Salads:** Top a fresh salad with shredded mojo chicken for a protein-packed and flavorful meal.
* **Rice and Beans:** Serve the chicken over rice and beans for a classic Cuban-inspired dish.
* **Sandwiches:** Pile shredded mojo chicken onto crusty rolls with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite condiments.
* **Nachos:** Load tortilla chips with shredded mojo chicken, cheese, beans, and other toppings for a delicious appetizer or snack.
## Tips and Variations
* **Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breasts:** Chicken thighs are generally more flavorful and stay moister in the slow cooker. However, chicken breasts can also be used. If using chicken breasts, be sure to cook them for a shorter amount of time (usually 3-4 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high) to prevent them from drying out.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** If you prefer a spicier dish, add more jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mojo marinade.
* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add vegetables to the slow cooker along with the chicken. Bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes are all great additions.
* **Thicken the Sauce:** If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
* **Use Sour Orange Juice:** If you can find sour orange juice (such as Seville orange juice), use it in place of the orange juice in the recipe for a more authentic mojo flavor.
* **Make it Ahead:** The mojo marinade can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The cooked chicken can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Freezing Instructions:** Cooked and shredded mojo chicken freezes well. Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
## Slow Cooker Mojo Chicken Recipe
**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 6-8 hours on low, 3-4 hours on high
**Ingredients:**
* 2-3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
* 1 cup orange juice
* ½ cup lime juice
* Zest of 1 orange
* Zest of 2 limes
* 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
* ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
* 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
* 2 tablespoons dried oregano
* 1 tablespoon ground cumin
* 1-2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
* ½ – 1 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and minced (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, orange zest, lime zest, minced garlic, olive oil, sliced onion, dried oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, and optional minced jalapeño.
2. Place the chicken in the slow cooker insert. Pour the mojo marinade over the chicken, ensuring that it’s evenly coated. For best results, marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
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 easily shredded with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
5. (Optional) Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and toss it with the remaining mojo sauce. Cook on low for another 30 minutes.
6. Serve hot and enjoy! Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice, if desired.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving size.)
* Calories: 250-350
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 10-15g
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g
## Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Mojo Chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken and zesty mojo marinade is simply irresistible. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Cuba! Your taste buds will thank you. Give this recipe a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below! What are your favorite ways to serve Slow Cooker Mojo Chicken? I’d love to hear your ideas!
Enjoy!