Grilled Mojo Chicken with Citrus and Garlic Marinade

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

Tender grilled chicken marinated in a zesty blend of orange, lime, garlic, and herbs, capturing the vibrant flavors of Puerto Rican-inspired mojo. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs bone-in 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 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.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes until well combined and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 bone-in chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them, ensuring all pieces are coated. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to penetrate.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side, turning once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is nicely charred and crisp.
  4. Step 4: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute, then plate and drizzle any reserved marinade (warmed) over the top for extra zest.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Mojo Chicken with Citrus and Garlic Marinade take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Grilled Mojo Chicken with Citrus and Garlic Marinade?

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 Grilled Mojo Chicken with Citrus and Garlic Marinade?

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 Grilled Mojo Chicken with Citrus and Garlic Marinade 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 Grilled Mojo Chicken with Citrus and Garlic Marinade?

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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