Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Spiced Honey Glaze

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

Tender grilled chicken thighs marinated in fresh citrus juices and coated with a warm honey glaze spiced with paprika and garlic. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 85 minutes pairs pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, fresh orange juice, fresh 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: 70 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 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, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Add 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and discard marinade. Place chicken thighs on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges have nice grill marks.
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, combine 1/4 cup honey, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir gently for 3-4 minutes until warmed through and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: In the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush the honey glaze generously over each chicken thigh, turning once to coat both sides. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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 Spiced Honey Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 85 minutes (70 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 Spiced Honey Glaze?

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 fresh orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Spiced Honey Glaze?

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 Spiced Honey Glaze 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 Spiced Honey Glaze?

American 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.

Related recipes