Grilled Citrus-Herb Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter

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

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in bright citrus and fresh herbs, grilled to perfection and finished with a savory garlic butter glaze. This mediterranean-inspired grilling ready in about 30 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, olive oil, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 4 cloves minced garlic, 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F. Remove chicken from marinade and shake off excess.
  4. Step 4: Place chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes until skin is crisp and golden brown.
  5. Step 5: Flip chicken and grill for another 6-8 minutes until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached and juices run clear.
  6. Step 6: While chicken grills, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 1 clove minced garlic for a quick garlic butter; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  7. Step 7: Remove chicken from grill, brush generously with garlic butter, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Herb Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter 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 Grilled Citrus-Herb Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Herb Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter?

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-Herb Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter 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 Grilled Citrus-Herb Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter?

Mediterranean grilling 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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