Mojo-Sauced Chicken with Mashed Green Plantains

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

Tender chicken thighs simmered in a vibrant citrus-garlic sauce, served with creamy mashed green plantains for a comforting Puerto Rican-inspired meal. This puerto rican-inspired chicken ready in about 70 minutes pairs green plantains, chicken thighs, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.

★ 4.1 (10 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 50 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel 4 medium green plantains and cut into 1-inch thick slices. Place in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for 15 minutes until tender, then drain and mash with a fork until smooth.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 4 garlic cloves, 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tablespoons white vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir to form a smooth sauce.
  3. Step 3: Pat 1 pound chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season with additional 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken skin-side down and cook for 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for 7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Step 4: Pour the prepared mojo sauce over chicken. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and tender. Serve with mashed green plantains, drizzling any remaining sauce over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mojo-Sauced Chicken with Mashed Green Plantains take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (20 min prep + 50 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-Sauced Chicken with Mashed Green 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 green plantains from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mojo-Sauced Chicken with Mashed Green 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 with Mashed Green 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-Sauced Chicken with Mashed Green 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.

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