Cuban Lemon Chicken Recipe

Looking for a flavorful and easy Cuban chicken recipe for dinner? This Cuban Lemon Chicken is juicy, citrusy, and packed with garlic, onions, and traditional Cuban spices.

It’s the kind of dish that’s full of flavor but simple enough to make on a weeknight. If you’re craving something savory with a fresh, zesty twist, you’ll love how this comes together in under an hour.

This Cuban chicken dinner is a staple in many households because it's not only delicious but also super versatile. The bold lemon flavor pairs beautifully with classic Cuban sides like white rice, black beans, and fried sweet plantains.

It also goes well with yuca con mojo or a light avocado salad. It’s a dish I like to serve when I want something satisfying without a lot of fuss.

What is Cuban Lemon Chicken?

Cuban Lemon Chicken, or Pollo al Limón Cubano, is a traditional dish that features pan-seared chicken cutlets flavored with garlic, onion, and fresh lemon juice. It reflects the heart of Cuban home cooking — bright flavors, pantry spices, and lots of garlic.

Cuban cuisine is influenced by Spanish, African, and Caribbean cultures. Dishes often highlight citrus, herbs, and well-seasoned proteins, and this recipe is a great example. It's not spicy, but it’s layered with flavor.

The lemon adds a clean, sharp brightness that balances the sweetness of the sautéed onions and the savoriness of the garlic and cumin. If you're new to Cuban food, this is a great recipe to start with — flavorful, simple, and totally satisfying.

Ingredients To Make This Recipe

This recipe relies on fresh, flavorful ingredients that work together to create a vibrant Cuban dish. Here’s what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:

Chicken breasts or cutlets – They cook quickly, stay tender when pounded thin, and are a great base for soaking up bold flavors.

Lemon – Fresh lemon adds brightness and acidity, which balances the rich garlic and onions.

Salt and pepper – Basic seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.

Cumin – A warm spice that brings a signature Cuban flavor to the dish. It’s earthy and subtle.

Flour – Lightly coats the chicken to create a nice golden crust when pan-fried.

Onion – Adds natural sweetness and depth. When caramelized, it becomes the perfect topping for the lemon chicken.

Olive oil – Used for sautéing, it brings richness and helps brown the chicken and onions.

Garlic – A must in Cuban cooking. It adds a bold, aromatic flavor that complements the lemon perfectly.

Fresh cilantro – Adds a pop of color and a fresh finish to the dish when sprinkled on top.

How to Make Cuban Chicken Dinner with Lemon

This dish is simple enough for beginners. Just follow these steps and you’ll have a flavorful Cuban meal on the table in no time.

1. Prep the chicken. Slice each chicken breast in half to create thinner cutlets. Place them in a zip-top bag and pound with a meat mallet until they’re about ¼ inch thick. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.
2. Season. Squeeze lemon juice over the chicken. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and cumin, rubbing the seasonings in gently.
3. Coat with flour. Lightly dredge each piece in flour so the surface is covered but not thickly coated.
4. Cook the onions and garlic. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once they start to soften and turn golden, add the garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes. Set the mixture aside.
5. Cook the chicken. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the floured chicken cutlets and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
6. Combine. Once all the chicken is cooked, place it on a serving plate. Return the onions and garlic to the skillet with any remaining lemon juice. Heat through for a minute or two.
7. Top and serve. Spoon the onion-garlic mixture over the chicken and sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with your favorite Cuban sides.

Tips For Making Cuban Lemon Chicken

Want to make sure your Cuban lemon chicken turns out perfect? Here are a few helpful tips:

• Pound chicken evenly to ensure it cooks uniformly and stays tender.
• Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor—bottled just doesn’t taste the same.
• Don’t skip caramelizing the onions—it adds richness and sweetness that balances the lemon.
• Use a large enough skillet so the chicken browns properly instead of steaming.
• Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving to keep the juices inside.
• Add a splash of chicken broth to the pan if you want a little extra sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work great. They’re slightly richer in flavor and more forgiving if you overcook them slightly. Just make sure to pound them to an even thickness for even cooking.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can! Season and flour the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge. You can also sauté the onions and garlic in advance. When you’re ready to eat, just cook the chicken and warm everything together.

What sides go best with Cuban Lemon Chicken?

This dish goes beautifully with white rice, black beans, sweet plantains, or yuca. If you want something lighter, a simple avocado salad or citrus slaw adds a nice fresh contrast.

Have you tried Cuban Lemon Chicken? Then, make sure to rate and review this recipe. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. It’s one of those meals that feels special but doesn’t require anything fancy — just fresh ingredients and a little love in the kitchen.