Banco's Mojo-Style Grilled Chicken
Tender chicken marinated in a zesty garlic-citrus sauce, grilled to juicy perfection and served with caramelized plantains for a Puerto Rican-inspired feast. This puerto rican-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs chicken thighs, fresh lime juice, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs, bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 5, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh oregano
- 4 medium, sliced 1/2 inch thick plantains
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 5 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano. Season the 1.5 lbs bone-in chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then coat them evenly in the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high (375°F/190°C). Thread the 4 medium plantain slices onto skewers and brush with 1 tbsp coconut oil. Grill the plantains for 3-4 minutes per side until caramelized and tender.
- Step 3: Grill the marinated chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes per side, basting occasionally with the remaining marinade, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown.
- Step 4: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pair with grilled plantains and a side of black beans for a complete meal.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Banco's Mojo-Style Grilled Chicken take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (35 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Banco's Mojo-Style Grilled Chicken?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Banco's Mojo-Style Grilled Chicken?
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 Banco's Mojo-Style Grilled Chicken 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 Banco's Mojo-Style Grilled Chicken?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
