Citrus-Glazed Grilled Chicken with Herb Quinoa
Tender chicken thighs glazed with a zesty citrus-honey sauce, served over a vibrant quinoa salad infused with fresh parsley and dill. This mediterranean-inspired grilling (gluten-free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken thighs, orange juice, honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz each) chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1/3 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon zest, and 1 tsp salt. Brush mixture evenly over 4 chicken thighs (6 oz each) and let marinate for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water. In a medium pot, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add quinoa, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, 1/3 cup chopped parsley, 2 tbsp chopped dill, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Toss to coat.
- Step 4: Place chicken on grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest 5 minutes before serving over quinoa.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Glazed Grilled Chicken with Herb Quinoa take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (25 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 Citrus-Glazed Grilled Chicken with Herb Quinoa?
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 (6 oz each) chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Glazed Grilled Chicken with Herb Quinoa?
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 with Herb Quinoa 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.
Is Citrus-Glazed Grilled Chicken with Herb Quinoa 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Absolutely wonderful.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.