Adobo Chicken Thighs with Mojo Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs roasted to golden perfection with a tangy garlic-citrus mojo sauce, offering bright, herbaceous notes that cut through the richness of the meat. This puerto rican-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes blends skin-on and bone-in Chicken thighs, Adobo seasoning, Olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat 1.5 lbs chicken thighs dry and season with 2 tbsp adobo seasoning and 1 tsp salt. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 8 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for 3 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and skin is crisp.
  3. Step 3: While chicken roasts, combine 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp orange juice, and 2 tbsp chopped cilantro in a small bowl. Whisk until combined.
  4. Step 4: Serve chicken drizzled with the mojo sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Adobo Chicken Thighs with Mojo Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Adobo Chicken Thighs with Mojo Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Adobo Chicken Thighs with Mojo Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Adobo Chicken Thighs with Mojo Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Adobo Chicken Thighs with Mojo Sauce?

Puerto Rican chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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