Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Charred Corn Salsa

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

Juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated in tangy citrus with a vibrant charred corn salsa that bursts with fresh flavors. This latin american-inspired grilling (gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes blends (6 oz each) chicken breasts, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until well combined. Add 4 chicken breasts and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through and juices run clear.
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, char 3 ears of corn directly on the grill, turning occasionally, until kernels are blackened and blistered, about 10 minutes. Let cool slightly, then cut kernels off the cob.
  4. Step 4: In a bowl, combine the charred corn kernels with 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1 minced jalapeño, 1 tbsp honey, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Stir gently to mix.
  5. Step 5: Serve grilled chicken topped with a generous scoop of the charred corn salsa for a bright, smoky complement.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Charred Corn Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Charred Corn 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 Charred Corn 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 Charred Corn 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.

Is Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Charred Corn Salsa gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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