Charred Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs

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

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a bright citrus blend and grilled to smoky perfection, perfect for a summer cookout. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs orange juice, lemon juice, soy sauce 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 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 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until well combined.
  2. Step 2: Place 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs in a large ziplock bag and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag and massage marinade into the chicken. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and discard marinade.
  4. Step 4: Grill chicken thighs skin-side down for 6-8 minutes until skin is charred and crispy, then flip and grill for another 5-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving to add brightness.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Charred Citrus-Marinated Grilled 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 orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charred Citrus-Marinated Grilled 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 Charred Citrus-Marinated Grilled 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 Charred Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs?

Mediterranean 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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