Citrus-Glazed Grilled Chicken with Puerto Rican Sofrito

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

Juicy grilled chicken thighs brushed with a tangy citrus glaze paired with a vibrant homemade sofrito sauce bursting with fresh herbs and peppers. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs (about 2 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs, orange juice, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 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: 20 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 390 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a blender or food processor, combine 1 small chopped red bell pepper, 1 small chopped green bell pepper, 1 small chopped yellow onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves, 2 tbsp chopped culantro leaves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Pulse until finely chopped but not pureed, creating the sofrito sauce.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, and 2 tbsp honey to make the citrus glaze.
  3. Step 3: Pat dry 6 bone-in chicken thighs and season lightly with additional salt and pepper. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place chicken thighs on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, brushing liberally with the citrus glaze every 3 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is caramelized.
  4. Step 4: Serve the grilled chicken thighs topped with 1 cup of the fresh sofrito sauce spooned over each portion for a bright, herbaceous contrast.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Citrus-Glazed 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-Glazed 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-Glazed 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-Glazed 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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