Grilled Citrus-Herb Chicken with Chickpea Salad
Juicy grilled chicken marinated in a bright citrus and herb blend served alongside a refreshing chickpea salad with tomatoes and cucumber. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 55 minutes pairs divided olive oil, lemon juice, orange 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.
Ingredients
- 4 (about 6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tbsp, divided olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 1/2 tsp, divided salt
- 1 tsp, divided black pepper
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed canned chickpeas
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium, diced cucumber
- 1/4 medium, finely diced red onion
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp orange juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts and turn to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 2: While chicken marinates, prepare the chickpea salad by combining 1 can (15 oz) drained chickpeas, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 medium diced cucumber, 1/4 finely diced red onion, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a bowl. Toss gently and refrigerate.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
- Step 4: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling. Serve chicken breasts alongside a generous scoop of the chilled chickpea salad.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Herb Chicken with Chickpea Salad take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (40 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 with Chickpea Salad?
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 divided olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Herb Chicken with Chickpea Salad?
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 with Chickpea Salad 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-Herb Chicken with Chickpea Salad gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.