Citrus-Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs with Summer Herb Salsa

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

Juicy grilled chicken thighs brushed with a bright citrus glaze and topped with a fresh herb salsa, perfect for a summer cookout. This american-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 55 minutes blends orange juice, lemon juice, honey 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 280 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: 40 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 2 tablespoons honey, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until combined.
  2. Step 2: Place 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 2 lbs) in a shallow dish and pour half of the citrus marinade over them. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from marinade and discard the used marinade. Grill chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes per side, brushing occasionally with the reserved marinade, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges are slightly charred.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, combine 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, 2 thinly sliced green onions, and 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes in a small bowl. Stir in 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with a pinch of salt.
  6. Step 6: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve topped with the fresh summer herb salsa.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs with Summer Herb Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (40 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 Citrus-Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs with Summer Herb Salsa?

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 Citrus-Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs with Summer Herb Salsa?

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 Citrus-Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs with Summer Herb Salsa 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 Citrus-Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs with Summer Herb Salsa 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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