Mojo-Marinated Chicken Thighs with Caramelized Plantains

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

Juicy chicken thighs glazed with a vibrant garlic-oregano sauce, paired with sweet, golden-brown fried plantains for a balanced Puerto Rican-inspired meal. This Puerto Rican-inspired quick recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, pairs chicken thighs, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 30 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano, 2 tablespoons lime juice, and 1 teaspoon salt. Pat 1.5 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then rub the entire surface with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 medium plantains (sliced into 1/2-inch rounds) in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and caramelized, turning once. Season with a pinch of salt and transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Heat the same skillet over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 8-10 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook for another 8-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve with the caramelized plantains on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mojo-Marinated Chicken Thighs with Caramelized Plantains take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (30 min prep + 20 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-Marinated Chicken Thighs with Caramelized 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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mojo-Marinated Chicken Thighs with Caramelized 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-Marinated Chicken Thighs with Caramelized 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.

What goes well with Mojo-Marinated Chicken Thighs with Caramelized Plantains?

Puerto Rican quick meals 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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