Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Citrus Herb Grilled Chicken Thighs! They’re bursting with flavor, thanks to the delightful combination of fresh citrus juices and fragrant herbs. I can’t help but get excited when I think about the last family barbecue we had. My cousin grilled these thighs to perfection, and the whole yard smelled incredible. Everyone gathered around, eagerly waiting for that first juicy bite. And guess what? They’re super easy to prepare! Just a little bit of marinating time, and you’ve got a dish that steals the show. Trust me, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser, whether it’s a summer cookout or a cozy dinner at home. You’ll want to make it again and again!

Ingredients List

4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on for extra flavor and juiciness
1/4 cup olive oil, the good stuff! It adds richness and helps with the marinade
1 lemon, juiced, for that zesty kick
1 orange, juiced, to bring a sweet and tangy balance
2 cloves garlic, minced, because garlic makes everything better!
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped, gives a lovely earthy aroma
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped, for a hint of freshness
Salt and pepper to taste, don’t be shy—seasoning is key!

How to Prepare Citrus Herb Grilled Chicken Thighs

Getting these Citrus Herb Grilled Chicken Thighs ready is a breeze, and I promise you’ll be rewarded with deliciousness at the end! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll be grilling like a pro in no time. Let’s dive in!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by mixing together the marinade! In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk it all together until it’s well blended.
Next, add your chicken thighs to the marinade. Make sure they’re all coated nicely—don’t skimp on this part! Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let them marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have the time, marinating overnight is even better for flavor!
When you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to get those lovely grill marks!
Carefully place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear. Keep an eye on them—they can go from perfect to overcooked pretty quickly!
Once they’re grilled to perfection, remove them from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial; it allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite juicy and tender.

And there you have it! A simple yet mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of citrus and herbs dancing on your palate!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying Citrus Herb Grilled Chicken Thighs, it’s good to know what you’re putting in your body. Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. For each chicken thigh, you’re looking at approximately 250 calories, 15g of fat, 25g of protein, and just 1g of carbohydrates. It’s a satisfying and nutritious choice that won’t weigh you down. So go ahead and dig in without any guilt!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick prep time—marinate while you get other things ready!
Incredible flavor with the perfect balance of citrus and herbs
Healthy option packed with protein, making it great for meal prep
Perfect for gatherings, impressing friends and family with minimal effort
Versatile enough to pair with various sides, from salads to grilled veggies

Tips for Success

To make sure your Citrus Herb Grilled Chicken Thighs turn out absolutely perfect, I’ve got a few handy tips for you! First off, don’t skip the marinating step—it’s where all the magic happens! If you can, let the thighs soak in that flavorful marinade overnight. Trust me, the flavors will be out of this world!

When grilling, make sure your grill is hot enough before placing the chicken on it. This helps achieve those gorgeous grill marks and keeps the meat juicy. Also, resist the urge to flip the chicken too often; let it sit and develop that beautiful char. And remember to use a meat thermometer! It takes the guesswork out of cooking and ensures you hit that perfect 165°F (75°C).

Lastly, don’t rush the resting period after grilling. It might seem tempting to dig in right away, but letting the chicken rest allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite delightful and juicy. Enjoy grilling!

Variations

If you’re looking to mix things up with your Citrus Herb Grilled Chicken Thighs, I’ve got some fun ideas for you! Try swapping the rosemary and thyme for fresh cilantro and lime juice for a zesty, tropical twist. Or, add a pinch of smoked paprika and cumin for a smoky flavor that’ll transport you to a backyard fiesta!

You can also experiment with different marinades—how about a honey mustard glaze for a sweet kick? If you’re feeling adventurous, grilling the thighs over wood chips can infuse an incredible smoky aroma. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your delicious Citrus Herb Grilled Chicken Thighs is super simple! Just let the chicken cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for leftovers! If you want to save it for later, you can freeze the thighs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to 2 months.

When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, the best way to reheat them is in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken on a baking sheet, covered with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Trust me, this method keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful! Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to enjoying your Citrus Herb Grilled Chicken Thighs, the right sides can really elevate the meal! I love serving these flavorful thighs with a refreshing arugula and citrus salad—it adds a nice crunch and complements the chicken beautifully. You could also whip up some roasted vegetables, like zucchini and bell peppers, tossed in olive oil and herbs to keep that vibrant theme going.

If you’re in the mood for something hearty, fluffy quinoa or a creamy garlic mashed potato would be perfect for soaking up those delicious juices. And don’t forget a nice slice of crusty bread to round out the meal. Trust me, you’ll want to have something to wipe your plate clean!

Citrus Herb Grilled Chicken Thighs: 5 Bold Flavors Unite

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A flavorful grilled chicken dish infused with citrus and herbs.

Ingredients

Scale

4 chicken thighs
1/4 cup olive oil
1 lemon, juiced
1 orange, juiced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken thighs to the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Marinating overnight enhances the flavor.
Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
Calories: 250
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: Citrus Herb Grilled Chicken Thighs

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