Baked Brazilian-Style Chicken with Citrus and Garlic
Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant mixture of lime, orange, garlic, and fresh herbs, baked to golden perfection. This brazilian-inspired hanukkah (gluten free) ready in about 55 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, lime juice, 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.
Ingredients
- 6 pieces bone-in chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 3 tbsp orange juice
- 5 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 tbsp lime juice, 3 tbsp orange juice, 5 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs to the marinade, coating them thoroughly, and let sit for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator to absorb flavors.
- Step 3: Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, skin side up.
- Step 4: Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the skin is golden and crisp and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, basting once with the pan juices halfway through cooking.
- Step 5: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain juices.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Brazilian-Style Chicken with Citrus and Garlic take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 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 Baked Brazilian-Style Chicken with Citrus and Garlic?
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 Baked Brazilian-Style Chicken with Citrus and Garlic?
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 Baked Brazilian-Style Chicken with Citrus and Garlic 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.
Is Baked Brazilian-Style Chicken with Citrus and Garlic gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Amazing! We served it with mashed potatoes and it was a feast.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for Hanukkah! The recipe was easy and the flavors were amazing.
- ★★★★★
My family loved it! The citrus and garlic combo is a winner.