Puerto Rican-Style Mojo Marinated Grilled Chicken

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in a vibrant Puerto Rican mojo sauce bursting with citrus and garlic flavors. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, fresh orange juice, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, 6 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes. Whisk until well blended.
  2. Step 2: Add 8 bone-in chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure each piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to penetrate.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and grill for 6-7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin is nicely charred and crispy.
  4. Step 4: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain juiciness and flavor.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Puerto Rican-Style Mojo Marinated Grilled Chicken 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-Style Mojo Marinated Grilled Chicken?

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-Style Mojo Marinated Grilled Chicken?

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-Style Mojo Marinated Grilled Chicken 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-Style Mojo Marinated Grilled Chicken?

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.

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