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closeup of grilled chicken thighs

Easy Grilled Citrus Marinated Chicken Thighs

Ana | Claudia's Table
April 2, 2025
This tried-and-true, Easy Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Thighs recipe is juicy and delicious! The secret is the mouthwatering Citrus Marinade for the chicken, overflowing with citrus flavors, spices, and a beautiful golden color thanks to Turmeric.
5 from 2 votes
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Marinating 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Course Barbecue, BBQ, Dinner, Grilling, Lunch
Cuisine American, Healthy, Mexican
Servings 4 servings
Calories 635 kcal

Equipment

  • Grill outdoor grill or grill pan
  • 1 shallow dish 3 quart
  • 1 meat thermometer Quick read

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ripe oranges juiced
  • 1 ripe lemon juiced
  • 3 ripe limes 2 juiced and 1 cut into wedges for serving
  • 1/4 cup avocado oil or neutral oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
  • 1 teaspoon paprika ground
  • 1 teaspoon Adobo seasoning Mexican or Latin
  • 2 teaspoons Kosher salt Morton
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder ground
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 cilantro + more for garnish roughly chopped
  • 2 pounds chicken thighs boneless, skinless

Instructions
 

  • Juice oranges, lemon and limes. Set aside.
  • Using a small bowl, add oil, Adobo seasoning, paprika, chipotle powder, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  • Place chicken in a large, shallow bowl. Add fresh chopped cilantro. Spread the spice blend mixture on top of the chicken. Don't worry if it's not evenly spread.
  • Pour citrus juices evenly over the chicken. Use your hand or a spoon to ensure the chicken is coated with citrus juices and the spice blend. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and marinate in the fridge for 2-3 hours.
  • Remove the chicken from the fridge and remove the chicken from the marinade. Discard any leftover marinade.
  • Grill the chicken and allow it to develop grill marks. Typically, I grill the first side for about 4 minutes and then about 3 minutes.
  • Turn frequently until the chicken develops a little char. Chicken should have an internal temperature of 165℉.
  • Garnish the chicken with some fresh lime wedges and chopped fresh cilantro.

Notes

Pro-tips for this recipe

  • Don't overmarinate the chicken; 2-3 hours is plenty. Acid is fantastic for marinades, but if marinated too long, it can cause the chicken meat to toughen when cooked.
  • Citrus marinades help tenderize the meat, allowing the chicken to cook faster.
  • Chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature is 165℉. Use a fast-read meat thermometer.
  • Add some sweetness, like honey or agave syrup, to balance out the citrus. A little granulated sugar also works.
  • Grilling is the preferred method for this recipe. Grilling imparts the oh-so-delicious char and smoky flavor to the chicken. An indoor grill pan and a cast-iron skillet also work great. (Don't overcrowd the chicken on the cast-iron skillet when cooking.)
  • Use fresh, ripe citrus. It's naturally sweeter.
  • Mexican or Latin Adobo seasoning: Use a brand that doesn't have salt. If you opt for one with salt, cut Kosher salt in half.
  • Use fresh dried spices; they are always bolder and flavorful.

Nutrition

Serving: 8ouncesCalories: 635kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 37gFat: 51gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 25gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 222mgSodium: 1344mgPotassium: 530mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 519IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 28mgIron: 2mg

Nutritional information is calculated online and should be used as a guide.

Keyword boneless chicken thigh recipe, chicken thigh marinade, citrus marinade for chicken, el pollo loco, marinated chicken thighs

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