Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Cumin and Coriander
Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a zesty citrus and spice blend, grilled to smoky perfection and served with fresh herbs. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs fresh orange juice, fresh lemon juice, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 6 pieces (about 2 lbs) boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped, for garnish fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp ground coriander, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp honey, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper until combined.
- Step 2: Add 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and discard marinade. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and the edges are nicely charred.
- Step 4: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving. Serve with grilled vegetables or rice.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Cumin and Coriander 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 Cumin and Coriander?
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 Cumin and Coriander?
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 Cumin and Coriander 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 Cumin and Coriander?
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.
