Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Mojo Sauce

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

Juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated in citrus and garlic, served with a zesty Cuban-inspired mojo sauce. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, 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 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 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 5 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess, and discard marinade.
  4. Step 4: Grill chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, mix 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 small finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup water, and 1/2 tsp salt in a small bowl to make the mojo sauce.
  6. Step 6: Serve grilled chicken topped with the fresh mojo sauce for a bright and tangy finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Mojo Sauce 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-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Mojo Sauce?

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 Grilled Chicken with Mojo Sauce?

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 Grilled Chicken with Mojo Sauce 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 Grilled Chicken with Mojo Sauce?

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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