Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Jalapeño and Cilantro

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

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in a zesty blend of orange, lime, jalapeño, and cilantro perfect for summer evenings. This mexican-inspired summer cookout ready in about 27 minutes pairs fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice, chopped fresh cilantro for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1 finely chopped jalapeño (seeded), 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges have nice grill marks. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Jalapeño and Cilantro take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Jalapeño and Cilantro?

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 Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Jalapeño and Cilantro?

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-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Jalapeño and Cilantro 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 Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Jalapeño and Cilantro?

Mexican summer cookout 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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