Puerto Rico Bank Branch Chicken

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

A savory chicken dish with a subtle citrus note, inspired by the vibrant spirit of Puerto Rican banking hubs. This puerto rican-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs pounds boneless chicken thighs, tablespoons olive oil, fresh orange 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: 20 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season evenly with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 5 minutes until golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Flip chicken, add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then pour in 1/4 cup fresh orange juice.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 teaspoon ground cumin and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, reduce heat to medium-low, and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken, tent with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes. Stir 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro into the pan sauce, then spoon sauce over chicken.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Puerto Rico Bank Branch Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Puerto Rico Bank Branch 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 tablespoons olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Puerto Rico Bank Branch 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 Rico Bank Branch 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 Rico Bank Branch Chicken?

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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