Grilled Citrus-Herb Chicken with Garlic Butter Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in bright citrus and fresh herbs, grilled to perfection and finished with a rich garlic butter sauce. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 90 minutes blends lemon juice, orange juice, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 75 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup orange juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp salt, and 2 tsp black pepper. Add 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and toss to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from the marinade and discard marinade. Grill chicken skin side down for 6-7 minutes until skin is golden and crispy.
  3. Step 3: Flip chicken and grill for another 6-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  4. Step 4: While chicken grills, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from grill and brush generously with the garlic butter sauce. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Herb Chicken with Garlic Butter Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (75 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Citrus-Herb Chicken with Garlic Butter Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

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

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 Garlic Butter Sauce 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 with Garlic Butter Sauce?

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.

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