Crispy Mojo Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Citrus

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

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a garlicky citrus mojo, then pan-seared until the skin is crisp and golden-brown with fragrant herbs. This latin american-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, garlic cloves, minced, fresh orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 370 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: 35 min Serves 6 Latin American cuisine 370 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 5 minced garlic cloves, 1/3 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the mojo marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 400°F. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, reserving the marinade.
  4. Step 4: Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and sear for 5-7 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
  5. Step 5: Flip the chicken over, pour the reserved marinade around the chicken, then transfer the skillet to the oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Mojo Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Citrus take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Crispy Mojo Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Citrus?

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 garlic cloves, minced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Mojo Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Citrus?

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 Crispy Mojo Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Citrus 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 Crispy Mojo Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Citrus?

Latin American 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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