Grilled Citrus-Rubbed Chicken with Brazilian Herb Chimichurri

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

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in zesty citrus and served with a vibrant herbaceous chimichurri inspired by Brazilian flavors. This brazilian-inspired chicken ready in about 82 minutes pairs pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, orange juice, 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.

Prep: 70 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp lime juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the chimichurri by mixing 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 minced garlic clove, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Stir until combined and set aside to let flavors meld.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 5-6 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges have char marks.
  4. Step 4: Transfer chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve topped with 2-3 tbsp of the fresh herb chimichurri sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Rubbed Chicken with Brazilian Herb Chimichurri take to make?

Total time is about 82 minutes (70 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-Rubbed Chicken with Brazilian Herb Chimichurri?

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-Rubbed Chicken with Brazilian Herb Chimichurri?

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-Rubbed Chicken with Brazilian Herb Chimichurri 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-Rubbed Chicken with Brazilian Herb Chimichurri?

Brazilian 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