Half-Hour Citrus Marinated Grilled Chicken

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken breasts marinated in a bright citrus blend, grilled to perfection in just 30 minutes for a quick and flavorful meal. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 37 minutes pairs orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, 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: 25 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp minced garlic, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until well combined.
  2. Step 2: Place 2 chicken halves (about 12 oz) into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, pour marinade over them, and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.
  4. Step 4: Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, turning once, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill, let rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-Hour Citrus Marinated Grilled Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 37 minutes (25 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 Half-Hour Citrus Marinated Grilled Chicken?

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 Half-Hour Citrus Marinated Grilled Chicken?

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-Hour Citrus Marinated Grilled Chicken for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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-Hour Citrus Marinated Grilled Chicken?

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.

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