Grilled Citrus-Brined Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Thyme

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

Juicy chicken thighs soaked in a bright citrus and garlic brine, then grilled to perfection with a fresh thyme garnish. This Mediterranean-inspired paleo recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs, 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 paleo week and pairs well with roasted root vegetables or a leafy salad. 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: 10 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 large bowl, whisk together 1 cup fresh orange juice, 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, 5 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 1 tbsp sea salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Submerge 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs) in the citrus brine and cover. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 2 hours or up to 6 hours for maximum flavor and tenderness.
  2. Step 2: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove the chicken thighs from the brine and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Brush each thigh with 2 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking and promote browning.
  3. Step 3: Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes until the skin is crisp and charred in spots. Flip and grill for another 6-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the juices run clear. Rest for 5 minutes before serving garnished with extra fresh thyme.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Brined Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Thyme 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 Grilled Citrus-Brined Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Thyme?

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 Grilled Citrus-Brined Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Thyme?

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 Grilled Citrus-Brined Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Thyme 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 Grilled Citrus-Brined Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Thyme paleo?

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

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