Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Regional Spices

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in a vibrant blend of citrus and warm regional spices, perfect for a flavorful dinner. This latin american-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes pairs pounds boneless chicken thighs, orange juice, lemon juice 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk together until well mixed.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld.
  3. Step 3: 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 on each side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges develop nice char marks.
  4. Step 4: Transfer grilled chicken to a serving plate and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro before serving to add a fresh, herbal note.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Spices?

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 Regional Spices?

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 Spices 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 Regional Spices?

Latin 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.

Related recipes