Sautéed Chicken with Mojo Sauce
Tender chicken thighs simmered in a vibrant citrus-garlic sauce, a cornerstone of Puerto Rican home cooking. This puerto rican-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends olive oil, fresh orange juice, 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 bone-in, skin-on (1.5 lbs total) chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup, chopped cilantro
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels; season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add chicken skin-side down and cook for 6-7 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for 5-6 minutes more until cooked through.
- Step 3: Remove chicken and set aside; pour off excess fat, leaving 1 tbsp in the skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. Return chicken to the skillet, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Chicken with 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 Sautéed Chicken with 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 Sautéed Chicken with 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 Sautéed Chicken with 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 Sautéed Chicken with Mojo Sauce?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better chicken dishes though.
