Criollo Chicken with Mojo Sauce
Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a zesty Mojo sauce, grilled to perfection and served with crispy plantains. This puerto rican-inspired chicken ready in about 75 minutes blends bone-in chicken thighs, medium, finely diced red onion, minced garlic into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces bone-in chicken thighs
- 1 medium, finely diced red onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 medium, fried until golden plantains
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 4 bone-in chicken thighs, 1 finely diced red onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Marinate for 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 15-18 minutes, flipping occasionally, until skin is crispy and juices run clear.
- Step 3: While chicken rests, fry 4 medium plantains in 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat until golden and caramelized, about 5 minutes per side.
- Step 4: Serve grilled chicken atop fried plantains, drizzled with remaining marinade.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Criollo Chicken with Mojo Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 75 minutes (30 min prep + 45 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Criollo Chicken with Mojo Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Criollo 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 Criollo 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 Criollo Chicken with Mojo Sauce?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
