Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Mojo Verde

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

Tender chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant citrus and garlic blend, grilled and served with a bright and herbaceous Cuban-style mojo verde sauce. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes pairs boneless skinless 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 360 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.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 360 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare mojo verde by combining 1 cup packed fresh cilantro, 1/2 cup packed fresh parsley, 2 chopped green onions, 1 small chopped jalapeño (seeded), 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, and 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil in a food processor. Pulse until smooth but still slightly textured.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and grill for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  4. Step 4: Serve grilled chicken thighs drizzled generously with mojo verde sauce alongside rice or grilled vegetables.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Mojo Verde take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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-Marinated Chicken with Mojo Verde?

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-Marinated Chicken with Mojo Verde?

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-Marinated Chicken with Mojo Verde 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-Marinated Chicken with Mojo Verde?

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.

What others are saying

Related recipes