Charcoal-Grilled Citrus Marinated Chicken Thighs

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

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a bright citrus blend and grilled over charcoal for a smoky, flavorful finish. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 45 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, fresh orange juice, fresh lemon 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until well combined.
  2. Step 2: Add 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to the marinade, turning to coat completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Prepare a charcoal grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F, with a two-zone setup for direct and indirect grilling.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken thighs from marinade, letting excess drip off, and place skin side down over direct heat. Grill for 5-7 minutes until the skin is crisp and charred at edges.
  5. Step 5: Flip chicken and move to indirect heat. Cover and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Step 6: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving for a fresh herbal note.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 fresh orange juice 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 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 Charcoal-Grilled Citrus Marinated Chicken Thighs?

American 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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