Citrus Mojo Grilled Chicken Recipe — Zesty Caribbean Flavor

This easy Mojo Grilled Chicken is juicy, tender, and loaded with bright, fresh flavor. The chicken soaks in a citrus-garlic-cilantro marinade, then gets a quick sear on the grill for a touch of char. Ready in about 20 minutes of cooking time (plus marinating), it’s an ideal weeknight dinner that feels festive and simple.

Quick & Easy Mojo Grilled Chicken

Busy households benefit from a handful of go-to grilled chicken recipes. Mojo-grilled chicken is one of those dependable dishes: it’s flexible, flavorful, and comes together quickly when you’ve already thawed chicken but haven’t planned dinner yet.

Marinated and grilled, this recipe has saved many weeknights by turning basic chicken breasts into a bright, satisfying main course.

What is Mojo Chicken?

Mojo chicken draws inspiration from Cuban and Caribbean flavors and sometimes appears in Southwestern cooking. The signature mojo marinade combines citrus (commonly orange or lime), garlic, and fresh herbs—here, cilantro—to tenderize and infuse the meat with bright, savory notes.

After marinating, the chicken is grilled briefly to develop caramelized edges and a hint of smokiness. The same marinade and technique also work wonderfully with pork or chicken thighs.

Mojo Chicken Ingredients

The ingredient list is short but delivers plenty of flavor.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• orange juice (no pulp)
• extra virgin olive oil
• fresh chopped cilantro
• garlic
• salt
• boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Optional serving additions:

• black beans
• guacamole
• lime wedges

How to Make Mojo Grilled Chicken

Marinate

1. Combine: In a large bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together orange juice, olive oil, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, and salt.
2. Reserve: Remove 1/4 cup of the marinade and refrigerate it for later use as a finishing sauce.
3. Add and coat: Place the chicken in the bag or bowl and turn to coat thoroughly in the marinade.
4. Marinate: Seal and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours and up to 24 hours for maximum flavor and tenderness.

Grill

1. Prep: Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high. Oil the grates lightly with vegetable or canola oil to prevent sticking.
2. Grill: Place the marinated chicken on the hot, oiled grates. Cook about 5 minutes without moving, until the bottom is golden and charred.
3. Flip: Turn the breasts and cook another 5–6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Thicker pieces will need a few extra minutes.
4. Rest and finish: Transfer the chicken to a platter, let it rest briefly, and drizzle the reserved marinade over the top.
5. Serve: Serve with black beans, guacamole, and lime wedges for a simple, colorful meal.

Tips for the Best Mojo Grilled Chicken

These simple tips will help you get the best texture and flavor:

• Allow enough marinating time so the citrus and garlic can tenderize and flavor the meat.
• Oil the grill grates before cooking to encourage good searing and prevent sticking.
• Avoid moving the chicken around while it sears; only flip once to develop a nice crust.
• You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but increase the cooking time until they reach 165°F.
• Always reserve some marinade before adding raw chicken; marinade that has touched raw meat should not be used without cooking.

What to Serve with Mojo Chicken

This chicken pairs beautifully with black beans, guacamole, and lime wedges. Add rice and warm tortillas for a heartier meal, or toss grilled onions and peppers alongside. It also works well sliced on a southwest-style salad or wrapped in flatbread for a quick lunch or handheld dinner. The bright citrus and cilantro flavors pair well with fresh salsas and roasted corn.

How to Store and Reheat Grilled Chicken

• Allow chicken to cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• To reheat without drying, warm in a low oven in a covered baking dish until heated through, or slice and use cold on salads and wraps.

Mojo Grilled Chicken Recipe

by Katerina | Easy Weeknight Recipes

This easy Mojo Grilled Chicken is juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. Marinated and grilled, it’s on your plate in minutes after cooking.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Marinating: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup orange juice no pulp
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro (or parsley)
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 pound (4 pieces) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Vegetable oil, for grill grates
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, optional, rinsed and drained
• Guacamole, for serving
• Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

• In a zip-top bag or large bowl, combine orange juice, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, and salt; whisk to blend.
• Reserve 1/4 cup of the marinade, cover, and refrigerate to use as a finishing sauce later.
• Add the chicken to the marinade, seal, and refrigerate for 1–2 hours or up to 24 hours.
• Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates with vegetable or canola oil.
• Place the chicken on the hot, oiled grates. Grill about 5 minutes until nicely browned, then flip and grill another 5–6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Transfer the chicken to a platter, drizzle with the reserved marinade, and serve with black beans, guacamole, and lime wedges.

Nutrition

Calories: 262kcal
| Carbohydrates: 3 g
| Protein: 24 g
| Fat: 16 g

Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as a courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used.

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