Chicken Mojo with Citrus and Garlic

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

A simple yet flavorful Puerto Rican dish where chicken is marinated in a zesty garlic and citrus sauce and then slow-cooked until tender. This puerto rican-inspired one pot ready in about 45 minutes pairs chicken thighs, garlic, orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.1 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to create the mojo marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 8 hours) to marinate.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserving the marinade) and place the chicken skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
  4. Step 4: Flip the chicken and pour the reserved marinade over the chicken. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chicken Mojo with Citrus and Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 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 Chicken Mojo with Citrus and Garlic?

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 Chicken Mojo with Citrus and Garlic?

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 Chicken Mojo with Citrus and Garlic 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 Chicken Mojo with Citrus and Garlic?

Puerto Rican one pot 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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