Citrus-Cumin Grilled Chicken with Puerto Rican Sofrito

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

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in citrus and cumin paired with a fragrant Puerto Rican sofrito sauce made of peppers, onions, and herbs. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on, orange juice, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to make a marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 6 chicken thighs to the marinade, turning to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  3. Step 3: While the chicken marinates, prepare the sofrito by heating 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat in a skillet. Add 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/2 cup diced onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and 1 minced ají dulce pepper (if using). Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables soften and aromas release.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin is crisp.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled chicken topped with warm sofrito sauce for a bright, herbaceous complement.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Cumin Grilled Chicken with Puerto Rican Sofrito take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Citrus-Cumin Grilled Chicken with Puerto Rican Sofrito?

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 orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Cumin Grilled Chicken with Puerto Rican Sofrito?

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 Citrus-Cumin Grilled Chicken with Puerto Rican Sofrito for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Citrus-Cumin Grilled Chicken with Puerto Rican Sofrito?

Caribbean 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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