Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Brazilian Spices

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

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in a zesty blend of citrus and traditional Brazilian spices for a flavorful outdoor feast. This brazilian-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 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 Brazilian cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Place 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F). Remove chicken from marinade and let excess drip off.
  4. Step 4: Grill chicken thighs skin-side down for 6-7 minutes until skin is crispy and golden. Flip and grill for another 6-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill, let rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Brazilian Spices 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 Spices?

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-Marinated Chicken with Brazilian Spices?

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 Spices 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-Marinated Chicken with Brazilian Spices?

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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