Half-Grilled Chicken with Citrus Herb Marinade
Juicy chicken halves marinated in a lively mix of citrus juices and fresh herbs, then grilled to golden perfection. This Mediterranean-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, pairs whole chicken split in half, olive oil, lemon juice fresh for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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
- 1 (about 3 lbs) whole chicken split in half
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice fresh
- 1/4 cup orange juice fresh
- 4 cloves garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme chopped
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper ground
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped rosemary, 2 tbsp chopped thyme, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp ground black pepper until well combined.
- Step 2: Place 1 whole chicken split in half into a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, turning to coat evenly. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Step 3: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F. Remove the chicken halves from the marinade, letting excess drip off.
- Step 4: Grill the chicken skin-side down for 10-12 minutes until grill marks appear and skin crisps.
- Step 5: Flip and grill the chicken for another 15-18 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
- Step 6: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Grilled Chicken with Citrus Herb Marinade take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Half-Grilled Chicken with Citrus Herb Marinade?
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 whole chicken split in half from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Grilled Chicken with Citrus Herb Marinade?
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 Half-Grilled Chicken with Citrus Herb Marinade 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 Half-Grilled Chicken with Citrus Herb Marinade?
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.
