Lake Wales Citrus and Herb Grilled Chicken

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

Juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated in a bright citrus and fresh herb blend, inspired by the vibrant outdoor activities in Lake Wales, Florida. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 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 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 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until well combined.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3 hours, to absorb the bright citrus and herb flavors.
  3. Step 3: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and grill for 6-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  4. Step 4: Transfer chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum juiciness and flavor.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lake Wales Citrus and Herb Grilled Chicken 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 Lake Wales Citrus and Herb 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 Lake Wales Citrus and Herb 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 Lake Wales Citrus and Herb Grilled Chicken 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 Lake Wales Citrus and Herb Grilled Chicken?

American 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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