Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Summer Herb Chimichurri
Juicy grilled chicken marinated in bright citrus juice paired with a vibrant chimichurri sauce bursting with fresh summer herbs. This latin american-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs fresh orange juice, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic cloves 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces, about 6 oz each boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1/3 cup, divided olive oil
- 1/2 cup, finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Whisk well and add 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts. Marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Step 2: Preheat grill 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.
- Step 3: While chicken grills, mix 1/3 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes in a bowl. Stir until combined to make the herb chimichurri.
- Step 4: Transfer grilled chicken to a serving platter and generously spoon the summer herb chimichurri over each piece. Serve warm with fresh lemon wedges if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Summer Herb Chimichurri take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Summer Herb Chimichurri?
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 Summer Herb Chimichurri?
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 Summer Herb Chimichurri 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 Summer Herb Chimichurri?
Latin American 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.
Equipment for this recipe
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