Cuban-Style Mojo Chicken with Citrus and Garlic

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

Juicy chicken marinated in a zesty citrus and garlic mojo sauce, then pan-seared for a flavorful, caramelized finish. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to make the mojo marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag and pour the mojo marinade over them. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken from marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Reserve marinade.
  4. Step 4: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 6-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
  5. Step 5: Flip the chicken and pour in the reserved marinade. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook for another 15-18 minutes until chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cuban-Style Mojo Chicken with Citrus and Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 Cuban-Style Mojo Chicken with Citrus and Garlic?

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 fresh orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cuban-Style Mojo Chicken with Citrus and Garlic?

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 Cuban-Style Mojo Chicken with Citrus and Garlic 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 Cuban-Style Mojo Chicken with Citrus and Garlic?

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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