Baked Citrus-Chili Chicken Thighs with Garlic Herb Butter

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

Juicy baked chicken thighs marinated in a zesty citrus-chili blend, finished with a rich garlic herb butter sauce for a flavorful dinner. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs, fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 1/2 tsp salt. Add 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and sear the other side for 3 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from oven, spoon the garlic herb butter over the thighs, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Citrus-Chili Chicken Thighs with Garlic Herb Butter take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Citrus-Chili Chicken Thighs with Garlic Herb Butter?

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 fresh orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Citrus-Chili Chicken Thighs with Garlic Herb Butter?

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 Citrus-Chili Chicken Thighs with Garlic Herb Butter 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 Baked Citrus-Chili Chicken Thighs with Garlic Herb Butter?

Caribbean 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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