Mojo-Glazed Chicken with Mashed Plantains
Tender chicken thighs marinated in a tangy garlic-paprika blend, served atop creamy plantain mash for a vibrant Puerto Rican-inspired meal. This puerto rican-inspired chicken (gluten-free) ready in about 60 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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
- 12 oz boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 4 medium, peeled and sliced plantains
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp ground cumin, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 2: Place 12 oz boneless skinless chicken thighs in a shallow dish and coat evenly with the marinade. Let marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 3: Arrange marinated chicken thighs in a single layer in a baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, basting occasionally with pan juices.
- Step 4: While chicken bakes, place 4 medium peeled and sliced plantains in a pot with 1/4 tsp salt and enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain well and return to pot. Add 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/4 cup whole milk, and mash until smooth. Season with additional salt if needed.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mojo-Glazed Chicken with Mashed Plantains take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (30 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 Mojo-Glazed Chicken with Mashed Plantains?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mojo-Glazed Chicken with Mashed Plantains?
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 Mojo-Glazed Chicken with Mashed Plantains 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.
Is Mojo-Glazed Chicken with Mashed Plantains gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Quick to prep and the results are amazing. A real keeper.
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
