Garlic-Rubbed Grilled Chicken with Mojo Verde Sauce

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

Tender grilled chicken marinated with garlic and spices, served with a vibrant green mojo sauce made from cilantro, parsley, and citrus. This spanish-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes blends boneless and skinless Chicken thighs, minced Garlic cloves, Olive oil 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.

Prep: 35 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Spanish cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 6 minced garlic cloves, 4 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While chicken marinates, prepare mojo verde sauce by blending 1 cup packed fresh cilantro, 1/2 cup packed fresh parsley, 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp white vinegar, 1/4 cup water, and 1/4 cup olive oil in a food processor until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges have light char marks.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve with generous spoonfuls of mojo verde sauce drizzled over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic-Rubbed Grilled Chicken with Mojo Verde Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (35 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Garlic-Rubbed Grilled Chicken with Mojo Verde 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 Garlic-Rubbed Grilled Chicken with Mojo Verde 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 Garlic-Rubbed Grilled Chicken with Mojo Verde 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 Garlic-Rubbed Grilled Chicken with Mojo Verde Sauce?

Spanish 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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