These mojito grilled chicken thighs are a fun and playful riff off one of my favourite cocktails! It turns out that rum, mint and lime are also good with chicken. A fresh, non-fussy marinade perfect for a summer barbecue!
For the perfect side to this grilled chicken dish, try Dill Potato Salad!
In those rare moments when London is blessed with nice weather, our minds immediately turn to our barbecue. There is just something so special to perfectly grilled meat, with a hint of smoke and char to remind you that this isn’t a normal meal.
I love almost anything that comes off the grill. But my personal favourite is grilled chicken, with the exception of grilled chicken breast.
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I find chicken breasts get the tendency to dry out very quickly when cooked over high heat of the barbecue. I favour grilled chicken thighs, especially if they were previously marinated in herbs and spices of any kind.
While there are a lot of amazing chicken marinades to choose from, it’s always fun to try something with a fresh seasonal kick. Think tart limes and fragrant mint!
Mojito marinade
This grilled chicken recipe came out of that line of thinking. Why not take a famous, fresh tasting cocktail and turn the ingredients into an easy marinade for chicken thighs?
In fact, I stayed pretty close to the original mojito recipe. I used rum, mint and lime juice just like in the cocktail, replaced sugar with salt and added some garlic for extra zing!
I also brushed the chicken with freshly made mojito salsa to bring back the vibrancy of the mint and lime after cooking.
Let me tell you, this recipe is absolutely ideal for a summer barbecue. It’s non-fussy, because who wants to spend hours in the kitchen when it’s so lovely outside. Yet it tastes like you added extra love and care!
Enjoy these grilled chicken thighs with my Passion Fruit Mojito or Mango Mojito! Or make both if you are having a party!
More chicken thigh recipes
- Spiced Chicken Thighs Braised in Milk
- Coconut Chicken and Rice with Green Beans
- Italian Rosemary Chicken
- Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs Stuffed with Mushrooms and Goats Cheese
Mojito Grilled Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
For the Mojito Marinade
- 2 tbsp chopped mint fresh
- 3 limes zest and juice
- ¼ cup/60ml white rum
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp This is an affiliate link.olive oil
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 lbs chicken thighs with skin and bone in
For the Mojito Salsa
- 2 cloves garlic
- ½ lime juice only
- 1 tbsp chopped mint fresh
Instructions
- In a large ziplock bag combine all ingredients for the mojito marinade, add chicken thighs, close the bag and make sure all chicken pieces are evenly coated. Alternatively this could be down in a large bowl.Marinade in the fridge for 3 hours or overnight, turn the bag over once an hour if possible.
- Preheat the grill and put the chicken thighs skin side down on the grill, cook on one side for 10-15 minutes depending on the size, then turn over and cook for 5-10 minutes longer.
- Mix the minced garlic, chopped mint and lime juice in a small bowl. Brush grilled chicken thighs with the mojito salsa as soon as they are done.
Maida Millan says
I love this recipe and am marinating my chicken. I added a bit of chipotle seasoning. I won’t be grilling, but will do on my cast iron skillet.
RHONDA says
Looks delicious! Quick question, lately, the limes have yielded barely any juice. I will still buy them for the zest but what is the measurement of juice needed? Just in case I have to use Key West Lime Juice from a bottle. Thank you
Julia Frey (Vikalinka) says
That’s a good question, Rhonda. I find out of season limes are often dry like that. One lime should yield about 2 tablespoons of juice, so you will need 6 tablespoons of lime juice for this recipe.
erin brandt says
This chicken was so good. Not dry, crispy skin and great flavor!
vikalinka says
I loved playing with summer flavours here. So happy you enjoyed it!
Judith Kaiser says
Hi, Ana I baje the monitor chicken and if so what temperature and for how long.
vikalinka says
Hi Judith, I am sorry I am not sure about your question. Are you asking about the internal temperature of the chicken when done? It should register at 180F/82C if using meat thermometer. The grilling times are given in the recipe card. 🙂
Mary says
Are you asking for oven cooking instructions?
I assume you’d bake 45 minutes at 350F, then crisp it up under a broiler.