Dominican-Style Mojo Chicken with Citrus and Garlic

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

Juicy chicken marinated in a zesty blend of Dominican mojo sauce featuring garlic, lime, and orange, then pan-seared to golden perfection. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, minced fresh garlic cloves, fresh 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 6 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Whisk until well blended to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 bone-in chicken thighs to the marinade, coating evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor penetration.
  3. Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and sear thighs skin-side down for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
  4. Step 4: Flip chicken and reduce heat to medium. Cover skillet and cook for another 12-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from skillet and rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro over the chicken before serving to add a fresh herbal note.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Dominican-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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Dominican-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 Dominican-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 Dominican-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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