Description
Pollo a la Plancha is a quick and flavorful Cuban-inspired dish featuring marinated chicken breasts seared to a golden-brown perfection. It’s a simple yet satisfying weeknight meal with bright citrus and garlic notes, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness. In a bowl, combine minced garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, lime juice, orange juice, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-coated in the marinade. Let marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to a couple of hours in the refrigerator.
- Heat a large skillet or plancha over medium-high heat. Add the remaining olive oil and butter (if using). Allow the pan to become hot to achieve a good sear.
- Place the marinated chicken onto the hot pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through, with slightly charred edges.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Lime juice can be substituted with lemon juice, but lime offers a more traditional Cuban flavor.
- Pressing the chicken down with a heavy pan while cooking enhances the plancha effect and searing.
- For best results, pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Fresh citrus juices are key to the authentic flavor profile.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper searing.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-seared
- Cuisine: Cuban
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx.)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g