Mojo-Sauced Chicken Thighs with Fried Plantains
Tender chicken thighs marinated in garlicky citrus sauce, served with caramelized plantains for a classic Puerto Rican meal. This puerto rican-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes blends boneless, skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, minced garlic 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 650 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 ripe (10 oz), sliced 1/2-inch thick plantains
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, and 1 tbsp olive oil to make the marinade; mix well. Add the chicken thighs and coat evenly, then marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess, and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, then set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add the sliced plantains and 1 tbsp olive oil, cooking for 4-5 minutes per side until caramelized and golden.
- Step 4: Return the chicken to the skillet with the plantains and pour any remaining marinade over the top. Cook for 2 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mojo-Sauced Chicken Thighs with Fried Plantains take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Mojo-Sauced Chicken Thighs with Fried Plantains?
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 Mojo-Sauced Chicken Thighs with Fried 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-Sauced Chicken Thighs with Fried Plantains for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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-Sauced Chicken Thighs with Fried Plantains?
Puerto Rican 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
