Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Summer Herb Salsa Verde

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

Juicy chicken breasts marinated in bright citrus and garlic, grilled to perfection, and topped with a fresh herb-packed salsa verde that celebrates summer flavors. This Mediterranean-inspired summer cookout recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, orange juice, lemon juice 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

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Whisk to mix.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Turn to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 4 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 425°F). Remove chicken from marinade and discard marinade.
  4. Step 4: Grill chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, 2 tbsp chopped capers, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes. Stir well to form salsa verde.
  6. Step 6: Slice grilled chicken and spoon the herb salsa verde generously over each piece before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Summer Herb Salsa Verde 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 Summer Herb Salsa Verde?

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 orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Summer Herb Salsa Verde?

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 Salsa Verde 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 Salsa Verde?

Mediterranean 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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