Grilled Citrus Herb Chicken Thighs
In short: Boneless chicken thighs marinated in orange, lemon, garlic and fresh herbs, then grilled until charred and juicy. Easy summer cooking. It takes about 30 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Resting
- 2 h
- Total
- 30 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 320 kcal
Citrus and herbs are a classic way to brighten chicken for the grill. Orange adds sweetness, lemon adds sharpness, and parsley, oregano and garlic bring savory depth. Thighs stay juicy over the high heat of a barbecue and take on a good char, while the sugars from the orange help them brown. A 2-hour marinade is enough, and up to 8 hours is fine. Serve with grilled vegetables or a green salad.
Instructions
- Whisk all the marinade ingredients in a bowl or a large zip-top bag.
- Add the chicken and turn to coat. Marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours and up to 8 hours.
- Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high and oil the grates. Lift the chicken out of the marinade and let the excess drip off. Discard the leftover marinade.
- Grill the thighs for 5 to 6 minutes per side with the lid closed, until charred in spots and 74°C (165°F) inside.
- Rest for 5 minutes, slice if you like, and serve with citrus wedges.
Tips
- Do not marinate for more than 8 hours. Citrus juice starts to break down the surface of the meat and makes it mushy.
- No grill? Use a ridged grill pan on the stove for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or broil on a rack 10 cm (4 inches) from the heat.
Questions and answers
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes. Pound them to 2 cm (3/4 inch) thickness and grill for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until they reach 74°C (165°F).
Can I freeze the chicken in the marinade?
Yes. Freeze it in a bag for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge. It will marinate as it defrosts.
How do I stop chicken sticking to the grill?
Preheat the grill well, oil the grates and leave the chicken alone until it releases naturally, about 5 minutes.
How long does it take to make Grilled Citrus Herb Chicken Thighs?
About 30 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Grilled Citrus Herb Chicken Thighs?
About 320 kcal per serving, with 35 g of protein, 7 g of carbohydrates and 16 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 320 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 7 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
