Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Brazilian Chimichurri

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

Tender grilled chicken thighs marinated in a zesty citrus blend, served with a vibrant Brazilian-style chimichurri sauce bursting with fresh herbs and garlic. This brazilian-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, orange juice, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 Brazilian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: While the chicken marinates, prepare chimichurri by whisking together 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano leaves, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1/4 cup olive oil in a bowl. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 5–6 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges have grill marks.
  4. Step 4: Transfer grilled chicken to a serving platter and spoon generous amounts of chimichurri sauce over the top while still warm. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Brazilian 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-Marinated Chicken with Brazilian 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 orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Brazilian 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-Marinated Chicken with Brazilian Chimichurri 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-Marinated Chicken with Brazilian Chimichurri?

Brazilian 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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