Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Spanish Garlic and Herb Sauce

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

Tender grilled chicken breasts marinated in bright citrus juices, served with a robust garlic and herb sauce inspired by Spanish flavors. This spanish-inspired chicken ready in about 85 minutes blends Fresh lemon juice, Fresh orange juice, divided Olive oil 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 4, 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: 70 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Spanish cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp 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 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, discarding marinade, and grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  3. Step 3: While chicken grills, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add remaining 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Remove herb sauce from heat and spoon over grilled chicken breasts just before serving for a fresh, garlicky Spanish flavor.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Spanish Garlic and Herb Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 85 minutes (70 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-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Spanish Garlic and Herb Sauce?

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-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Spanish Garlic and Herb Sauce?

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 Spanish Garlic and Herb Sauce 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 Spanish Garlic and Herb Sauce?

Spanish 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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