Grilled Citrus-Pepper BBQ Chicken Thighs

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

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Juicy chicken thighs marinated in bright citrus and cracked black pepper, grilled over smoky charcoals to tender perfection. This chicken recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs bone-in 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 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp cracked black pepper, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 1/2 tsp salt until combined.
  2. Step 2: Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs to the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to infuse flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and discard marinade.
  4. Step 4: Place chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Grill for 6-7 minutes until the skin is crispy and charred at edges.
  5. Step 5: Flip chicken and grill for another 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  6. Step 6: Remove from grill and rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Pepper BBQ Chicken Thighs 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-Pepper BBQ Chicken Thighs?

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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Pepper BBQ Chicken Thighs?

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-Pepper BBQ Chicken Thighs 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-Pepper BBQ Chicken Thighs?

BBQ & Smoked 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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