Why You’ll Love these Citrus Marinated Chicken Thighs
These citrus marinated chicken thighs are about to become your new weeknight dinner hero.
The bright, zesty combination of lime and orange creates a flavor explosion that transforms ordinary chicken into something truly special.
I’m talking about juicy, tender meat with crispy skin that’s infused with citrus, soy, and fresh herbs.
What makes this recipe irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of tangy citrus, savory soy sauce, and aromatic scallions and cilantro.
Plus, the marinade doubles as a sauce for serving, which means maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Who doesn’t love a recipe that does double duty?
What Ingredients are in Citrus Marinated Chicken Thighs?
The beauty of this citrus marinated chicken thigh recipe lies in its simple yet powerful combination of ingredients. Fresh citrus juices and zests create a bright foundation, while aromatics like scallions, cilantro, and garlic add layers of flavor that infuse deeply into the chicken during marination. The soy sauce brings that perfect savory umami balance to the citrus tang, resulting in chicken that’s juicy on the inside with irresistibly crispy skin after broiling.
- 2 pounds skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
- 1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced (with ¼ cup reserved for garnish)
- ½ bunch cilantro, leaves and tender stems only
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
- 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- ¼ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons kante avocado oil with basil
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters, especially for the citrus. Look for fruits that feel heavy for their size, which indicates they’re juicy. And don’t skip the skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs—they’re more flavorful and stay juicier than boneless, skinless versions. The chicken will need at least 20 minutes to marinate, but you can prep it up to 2 hours ahead and keep it chilled if you’re planning dinner in advance. This makes the recipe incredibly flexible for busy weeknight cooking or weekend meal prep.
How to Make these Citrus Marinated Chicken Thighs
Making these citrus marinated chicken thighs is surprisingly simple, despite the complex flavors you’ll achieve. Start by setting aside 1/4 cup of your thinly sliced scallions for garnish—trust me, this finishing touch makes a difference both visually and flavor-wise.
For the marinade, combine the remaining scallions with 1/2 bunch cilantro (leaves and tender stems only), 2 chopped garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon each of finely grated lime and orange zest, 1/4 cup each of fresh lime and orange juices, 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of kante avocado oil with basil, and 1 tablespoon kosher salt. Pulse everything in a food processor or blender until you get a coarse purée. The marinade should look vibrant green with flecks of citrus zest—quite appetizing already.
Before adding your 2 pounds of skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs to the marinade, reserve about 1/4 cup of this flavorful mixture for serving later—a step many recipes overlook but that really elevates the final dish.
Place the remaining marinade in a large resealable plastic bag, add the chicken thighs, seal it up, and turn to coat each piece thoroughly. The chicken needs to marinate for at least 20 minutes, but you can leave it chilling for up to 2 hours if you’re planning ahead.
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your broiler and arrange the chicken skin-side down on a foil-lined broilerproof baking sheet. Discard the used marinade (food safety first!), and broil the chicken until lightly browned, which takes about 5 minutes. Then flip the pieces over and continue broiling until they’re fully cooked—the magic moment happens when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F, typically another 12-15 minutes.
For the marinade preparation, a KitchenAid food processor will make quick work of blending all those fresh ingredients into a perfectly emulsified mixture. For even more consistent results, consider cooking these thighs on a premium electric grill which provides precise temperature control that’s perfect for this recipe.
Serve these juicy, flavor-packed chicken thighs drizzled with your reserved marinade and sprinkled with those bright green scallions you set aside earlier. The contrast of the broiled, slightly crispy chicken with the fresh, zingy sauce creates a perfect harmony of textures and flavors.
And can we talk about that moment when you cut into the chicken and see how juicy it’s inside? That’s the payoff for using bone-in, skin-on thighs. The broiling method gives you restaurant-quality results at home, with minimal hands-on effort. Could weeknight cooking get any more satisfying?
Citrus Marinated Chicken Thighs Substitutions and Variations
While the recipe as written delivers fantastic results, you’ll be happy to know that several substitutions and variations can adapt these citrus marinated chicken thighs to what you have on hand or to suit different dietary needs.
Don’t have lime? Lemon works beautifully.
Boneless skinless thighs can replace bone-in for quicker cooking, just reduce the broiling time by about 5 minutes.
I’m a fan of adding heat with jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for kick.
For a sweeter profile, try adding a tablespoon of honey.
Vegetable or olive oil can substitute for the specialty avocado oil.
What to Serve with Citrus Marinated Chicken Thighs
Now that you’ve got your chicken marinade perfected, let’s talk about creating a complete meal.
These citrusy chicken thighs pair beautifully with fluffy coconut rice or a simple cilantro lime rice that echoes the marinade’s flavors.
For vegetables, I love serving roasted sweet potatoes or grilled corn on the cob alongside. Their natural sweetness complements the tangy chicken so well.
A crisp cucumber salad with a hint of mint provides a revitalizing contrast.
Want something more substantial? Try black beans with diced avocado or a tropical fruit salsa.
The combination of sweet, savory, and tangy creates a balanced plate that’ll make weeknight dinners feel special.
Final Thoughts
After tasting these citrus marinated chicken thighs, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making them all along. The bright, zesty flavors paired with juicy, tender meat create a dish that’s both impressive and effortless.
I love how versatile this recipe is—perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
The marinade does all the heavy lifting, infusing the chicken with complex flavors while you attend to other things. That beautiful caramelization from the broiler? Chef’s kiss.
For a complementary side, consider making a tangy marinated carrot dish that balances the richness of the chicken with its refreshing acidity and crunch.
For a complementary side, consider making Chipotle-style guacamole with fresh cilantro and perfectly ripe avocados to balance the citrus flavors.
