Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Brazilian Vinagrete Salsa
Juicy grilled chicken marinated in a vibrant citrus blend, served with a fresh Brazilian vinagrete salsa of tomatoes, onions, and peppers. This brazilian-inspired chicken ready in about 82 minutes blends boneless skinless chicken thighs, fresh orange juice, lime 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 large, diced tomato
- 1/2, diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped red onion
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for salsa)
- 1/2 tsp salt (for salsa)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (for salsa)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the vinagrete salsa by mixing 1 large diced tomato, 1/2 diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Set aside to let flavors meld.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken is nicely charred.
- Step 4: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve topped with the fresh vinagrete salsa.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Brazilian Vinagrete Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 82 minutes (70 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Brazilian Vinagrete Salsa?
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-Marinated Chicken with Brazilian Vinagrete Salsa?
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 Vinagrete Salsa 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 Vinagrete Salsa?
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.
Equipment for this recipe
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