Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Smoked Paprika
Juicy chicken thighs marinated in bright citrus juices and smoky paprika, grilled to tender perfection with a hint of char. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs chicken thighs, bone-in, fresh orange juice, fresh lime 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken thighs, bone-in
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to form the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 4 chicken thighs (bone-in) to the marinade, turning to coat completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and place on the grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side until skin is crisp and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 4: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Smoked Paprika 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 Smoked Paprika?
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 chicken thighs, bone-in from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Smoked Paprika?
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 Smoked Paprika 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 Smoked Paprika?
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.
