Brazilian-Style Grilled Chicken with Citrus Herb Marinade

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in a vibrant blend of orange juice, garlic, and fresh herbs inspired by Brazilian flavors. This brazilian-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes blends (about 2 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs, fresh orange juice, minced garlic cloves 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 6, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 Brazilian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs to the marinade and toss well to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.
  4. Step 4: Place the thighs skin-side down on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes without moving, until skin is crisp and charred in spots.
  5. Step 5: Flip the chicken and grill for another 6-8 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  6. Step 6: Transfer chicken to a platter and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Brazilian-Style Grilled Chicken with Citrus Herb Marinade take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Brazilian-Style Grilled Chicken with Citrus Herb Marinade?

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 Brazilian-Style Grilled Chicken with Citrus Herb Marinade?

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 Brazilian-Style Grilled Chicken with Citrus Herb Marinade for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Brazilian-Style Grilled Chicken with Citrus Herb Marinade 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.

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