Pan-Seared Chicken with Dominican Mojo Sauce
Tender chicken breasts pan-seared and served with a zesty Dominican mojo sauce made from garlic, lime, and bitter orange juice. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends olive oil, minced garlic cloves, fresh lime juice 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 320 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 6 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup bitter orange juice (or substitute orange juice)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp ground cumin.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
- Step 3: Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a warm plate. Lower heat to medium and add 6 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup bitter orange juice, 2 tbsp water, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano. Cook for 3-4 minutes, scraping up any browned bits, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the mojo sauce over each piece. Simmer together for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors. Serve immediately with the sauce drizzled on top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Dominican Mojo Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Dominican Mojo Sauce?
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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Dominican Mojo Sauce?
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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Dominican Mojo Sauce 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Dominican Mojo Sauce?
Caribbean 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.