Citrus Mojo Grilled Chicken Pinchos

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

Tender chicken skewers marinated in bright orange-lime garlic sauce, grilled until caramelized and served with charred vegetables for a vibrant island-inspired meal. This puerto rican-inspired grilling ready in about 50 minutes pairs 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 520 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: 30 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Whisk 1/2 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp lime juice, 4 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 in a bowl until emulsified.
  2. Step 2: Place 1.5 lbs bone-in chicken thighs in a resealable bag, pour the marinade over them, and refrigerate for 2 hours, turning occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Thread chicken thighs, 1 medium cut red onion, and 1 cut red bell pepper onto 8 skewers, alternating with vegetables.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high (375°F). Grill skewers for 10 minutes per side, turning every 3 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F and vegetables are tender with char marks.
  5. Step 5: Rest skewers for 5 minutes before serving with extra marinade spooned over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus Mojo Grilled Chicken Pinchos take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (30 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 Mojo Grilled Chicken Pinchos?

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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus Mojo Grilled Chicken Pinchos?

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 Mojo Grilled Chicken Pinchos 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 Mojo Grilled Chicken Pinchos?

Puerto Rican grilling 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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