Pan-Seared Chicken with Dominican-Style Garlic Mojo
Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts infused with a vibrant garlic mojo sauce inspired by Dominican flavors. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic cloves, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 6 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp water
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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, 1 tsp dried oregano, 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 per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), then transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 6 minced garlic cloves to the same skillet, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp orange juice, and 2 tbsp water, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the garlic mojo sauce over the top, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes to coat and heat through.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Dominican-Style Garlic Mojo take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Dominican-Style Garlic Mojo?
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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Dominican-Style Garlic Mojo?
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-Style Garlic Mojo 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-Style Garlic Mojo?
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.
