Grilled Citrus-Honey Chicken Thighs with Herb Chimichurri

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

Juicy grilled chicken thighs marinated in a bright citrus and honey glaze, served with a fresh and zesty herb chimichurri sauce. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs fresh orange juice, fresh lemon juice, honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 340 calories and feeds 6, 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 6 Mediterranean cuisine 340 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp honey, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Add 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and toss to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably 3 hours.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and discard marinade. Lightly oil grill grates.
  3. Step 3: Grill chicken thighs skin-side down for 6-7 minutes until skin is crisp and golden, then flip and grill for another 6-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  4. Step 4: While chicken grills, combine 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Stir to make herb chimichurri sauce.
  5. Step 5: Serve grilled chicken thighs drizzled with herb chimichurri alongside your choice of sides.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Honey Chicken Thighs with Herb Chimichurri 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-Honey Chicken Thighs with Herb Chimichurri?

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 fresh orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Honey Chicken Thighs with Herb Chimichurri?

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-Honey Chicken Thighs with Herb Chimichurri for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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-Honey Chicken Thighs with Herb Chimichurri?

Mediterranean 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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