Grilled Citrus-Herb Chicken with Red Pepper Sauce

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

Juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated in bright citrus and herbs, served with a vibrant red bell pepper sauce that celebrates bold flavors. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 60 minutes blends (6 oz each) chicken breasts, orange juice, lemon juice 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: 40 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp chopped rosemary, 1 tbsp chopped thyme, 3 minced garlic cloves, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Whisk well and pour over 4 chicken breasts in a shallow dish. Marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: While the chicken marinates, roast 3 large red bell peppers under a broiler or on a grill, turning occasionally until the skins are blackened and blistered, about 10 minutes. Place peppers in a sealed bowl to steam for 10 minutes, then peel off skins, remove seeds, and chop roughly.
  3. Step 3: In a saucepan, add the chopped roasted red peppers, 1 tbsp white wine vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer over medium heat for 8 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, then blend until smooth and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled chicken topped with the warm red pepper sauce, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Herb Chicken with Red Pepper Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (40 min prep + 20 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 Red Pepper 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 Red Pepper 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 Red Pepper 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 Red Pepper Sauce?

American 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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