Charcoal-Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Thighs

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

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a bright citrus and garlic blend, then grilled over charcoal for a smoky finish. This mediterranean-inspired grilling ready in about 35 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, fresh lemon juice, fresh 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 6, 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.

★ 4.3 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves until well combined.
  2. Step 2: Place 6 bone-in chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or up to overnight to allow flavors to penetrate.
  3. Step 3: Prepare a charcoal grill by lighting briquettes and letting them ash over until medium-high heat, approximately 400°F. Arrange coals for two-zone cooking with a hotter side and a cooler side.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess. Place the chicken skin-side down over direct heat on the hotter side of the grill. Grill for 6-7 minutes until the skin crisps and has grill marks.
  5. Step 5: Flip the chicken and move to the cooler side to finish cooking for another 8-10 minutes, covered, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  6. Step 6: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Charcoal-Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Thighs take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Charcoal-Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Thighs?

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 Charcoal-Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Thighs?

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 Charcoal-Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Thighs 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.

What goes well with Charcoal-Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Thighs?

Mediterranean grilling 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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