Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Cilantro Lime Rice

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

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in vibrant citrus and garlic, grilled to perfection and served atop fragrant cilantro lime rice. This latin american-inspired grilling ready in about 40 minutes pairs 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 420 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: 25 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade. Add 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: While chicken marinates, rinse 1 cup long grain white rice under cold water. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups water to boil, add rinsed rice and 1/2 tsp salt, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Fluff rice with a fork and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves, 1 tsp lime zest, and 2 tbsp lime juice. Set aside.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess, and grill for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges have grill marks.
  5. Step 5: Let chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing. Serve sliced grilled chicken on a bed of cilantro lime rice for a flavorful, balanced meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Cilantro Lime Rice take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Cilantro Lime Rice?

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 Cilantro Lime Rice?

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 Cilantro Lime Rice 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 Cilantro Lime Rice?

Latin American grilling 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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