Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Charred Bell Pepper Salad

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

Marinated in a bright citrus blend, grilled to perfection, and served alongside a smoky charred bell pepper salad. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 90 minutes pairs about 6 oz each chicken breasts, fresh orange juice, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 70 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until combined. Add 4 chicken breasts and coat thoroughly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  3. Step 3: While chicken grills, char 3 large red bell peppers directly on the grill, turning occasionally, until skins are blackened and blistered, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap for 10 minutes to steam.
  4. Step 4: Peel the skins off the cooled peppers, remove seeds, and slice into strips. Toss sliced peppers with 1 thinly sliced medium red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and 2 tbsp red wine vinegar. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  5. Step 5: Serve grilled chicken breasts hot alongside the charred bell pepper salad.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Charred Bell Pepper Salad take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (70 min prep + 20 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 Charred Bell Pepper Salad?

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 Charred Bell Pepper Salad?

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 Charred Bell Pepper Salad 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 Charred Bell Pepper Salad?

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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