Puerto Rican Mojo-Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs

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

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a zesty garlic, citrus, and oregano mojo sauce, then grilled to smoky perfection. This latin american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, garlic cloves, fresh oregano leaves 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.

★ 4.1 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 6 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano, 1/4 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp ground cumin until well combined to create the mojo marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 6 bone-in chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag and pour the mojo marinade over them, ensuring the chicken is fully coated. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and grill for 6-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is crisp and charred in spots.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the grilled chicken to a plate, let rest for 5 minutes, then serve with a drizzle of any reserved mojo sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Puerto Rican Mojo-Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Puerto Rican Mojo-Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs?

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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Puerto Rican Mojo-Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs?

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 Puerto Rican Mojo-Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs 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 Puerto Rican Mojo-Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs?

Latin American 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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