Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Herb Chimichurri
Juicy grilled chicken thighs marinated in bright citrus and garlic, served with a vibrant chimichurri sauce featuring fresh herbs. This latin american-inspired chicken (gluten-free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil 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.
Ingredients
- 6 pieces (about 1.5 lbs) boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup, finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh oregano
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Add 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs and toss to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the chimichurri sauce by mixing 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh oregano, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Stir until combined.
- Step 3: 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, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
- Step 4: Transfer grilled chicken to a serving platter and spoon the herb chimichurri generously over the top. Serve immediately with grilled vegetables or rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Herb Chimichurri 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 Herb Chimichurri?
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 Herb Chimichurri?
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 Herb Chimichurri 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 Herb Chimichurri 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.
