Grilled Salvadoran Chicken with Citrus Mojo Marinade
Juicy grilled chicken marinated in a bright blend of orange, lime, garlic, and spices, capturing the fresh, zesty flavors of El Salvador. This Latin American-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs bone-in chicken thighs, orange juice, 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.
Ingredients
- 6 pieces bone-in chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the mojo marinade.
- Step 2: Place 6 bone-in chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring all pieces are coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and grill for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin is nicely charred.
- Step 4: Transfer chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving. Pair with rice or fresh salad for a complete meal.









