Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Fried Plantains

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

Juicy chicken marinated in zesty citrus and spices, served with crispy fried plantains for a balanced, vibrant meal. This caribbean-inspired grilling ready in about 55 minutes pairs tablespoons lime juice, tablespoons orange juice, tablespoons olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 35 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Whisk together 3 tablespoons lime juice, 2 tablespoons orange juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a bowl. Add 1.2 pounds chicken breasts and toss to coat; marinate 30 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade (reserve marinade), place on grill, and cook 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Brush with reserved marinade during the last 2 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Slice 2 ripe plantains into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat; add plantain slices and cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
  4. Step 4: Let chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with fried plantains.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Fried Plantains take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (35 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 Fried Plantains?

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 tablespoons lime juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Fried Plantains?

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 Fried Plantains 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 Fried Plantains?

Caribbean 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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