Citrus-Garlic Chicken with Fried Plantains

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

Juicy chicken breasts marinated in a bright citrus-garlic blend, served with caramelized plantains for a vibrant Puerto Rican-inspired dinner. This puerto rican-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs chicken breast, lemon, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine lemon zest, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a small bowl. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add the 2 sliced plantains (1/2-inch rounds) and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and tender. Remove from heat.
  4. Step 4: Return the chicken skillet to medium heat, add the cooked chicken and plantains, and warm for 1 minute before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Garlic Chicken with Fried Plantains take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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-Garlic Chicken with Fried Plantains?

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 breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Garlic Chicken with Fried Plantains?

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-Garlic Chicken with Fried Plantains 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 Citrus-Garlic Chicken with Fried Plantains?

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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