Mesquite-Smoked Chicken Thighs with Citrus and Herb Marinade

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

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a bright citrus and herb mixture, then smoked over mesquite wood for a smoky, tangy, and herbaceous flavor. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 170 minutes blends fresh orange juice, fresh lemon juice, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 20 min Cook: 150 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp chopped rosemary, 2 tbsp chopped thyme, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp kosher salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to the marinade, turning to coat completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat smoker to 250°F and add the soaked 2 cups of mesquite wood chips to produce a strong smoky aroma.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess, and place skin side up on the smoker rack. Smoke for 2 to 2.5 hours until internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin is slightly crisp.
  5. Step 5: Let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mesquite-Smoked Chicken Thighs with Citrus and Herb Marinade take to make?

Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Mesquite-Smoked Chicken Thighs with Citrus and Herb Marinade?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mesquite-Smoked Chicken Thighs with Citrus and 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 Mesquite-Smoked Chicken Thighs with Citrus and 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 Mesquite-Smoked Chicken Thighs with Citrus and Herb Marinade?

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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