Grilled Citrus-Spiced Caribbean Jerk Chicken Thighs

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant blend of citrus, spices, and herbs then grilled to smoky perfection with a caramelized crust. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs (about 1.5 lbs) bone-in 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 360 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: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 360 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground allspice, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 1 small seeded and finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 bone-in chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken, turning to coat. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and shake off excess.
  4. Step 4: Grill chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is caramelized and charred in spots.
  5. Step 5: Transfer chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with your choice of sides.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Spiced Caribbean Jerk 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-Spiced Caribbean Jerk 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 orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Spiced Caribbean Jerk 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-Spiced Caribbean Jerk Chicken Thighs 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-Spiced Caribbean Jerk Chicken Thighs?

Caribbean 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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