Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Regional Spice Blend

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender grilled chicken marinated in a bright citrus and spice blend reflective of regional flavors, perfect for summer cookouts. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, freshly squeezed orange juice, freshly squeezed lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until well combined.
  2. Step 2: Add 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, coating each piece thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken has nice grill marks.
  4. Step 4: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Regional Spice Blend take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Regional Spice Blend?

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 freshly squeezed orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Regional Spice Blend?

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 Regional Spice Blend for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Regional Spice Blend?

American 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.

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