Sheet Pan Mojo Chicken with Caramelized Plantains
Tender chicken thighs roasted with a bright citrus-garlic marinade and golden plantains for a harmonious blend of savory and sweet. This puerto rican-inspired mexican ready in about 60 minutes pairs chicken thighs, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 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 bone-in, skin-on (about 2 lbs) chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 large, peeled and sliced 1/2 inch thick plantains
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 cup water
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Whisk 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp white vinegar, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a bowl.
- Step 2: Pat chicken thighs dry, then rub with marinade. Arrange skin-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 3: Bake for 30-35 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally and skin is golden.
- Step 4: While chicken bakes, cook rice: combine 1/2 cup uncooked white rice, 1 cup water, and 1/4 tsp salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15-18 minutes until tender.
- Step 5: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add plantain slices and cook 4-5 minutes per side until caramelized and golden.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sheet Pan Mojo Chicken with Caramelized Plantains take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 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 Sheet Pan Mojo Chicken with Caramelized Plantains?
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 chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sheet Pan Mojo Chicken with Caramelized Plantains?
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 Sheet Pan Mojo Chicken with Caramelized Plantains 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 Sheet Pan Mojo Chicken with Caramelized Plantains?
Puerto Rican mexican 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
- ★★★★★
Absolutely wonderful.
- ★★★★★
Love how the Puerto Rican come through in every bite.
- ★★★★★
Restaurant quality! Can't believe how easy this was.







