Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Kale and Avocado Salad

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

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in bright citrus and herbs, served alongside a refreshing kale salad tossed with creamy avocado and lemon dressing. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs fresh orange juice, fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Place 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts in a resealable bag and pour marinade over them. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Let rest 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a large bowl, massage 6 cups chopped curly kale with 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 tsp sea salt until kale softens and darkens, about 2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Gently fold 1 large diced ripe avocado into the kale salad.
  5. Step 5: Serve sliced grilled chicken breasts atop the kale and avocado salad for a bright, satisfying meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Kale and Avocado Salad 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 Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Kale and Avocado Salad?

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 Kale and Avocado Salad?

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 Kale and Avocado Salad 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-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Kale and Avocado Salad whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, dairy free, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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