Sunshine Barbecue Chicken

Bursting with vibrant citrus flavors and smoky, caramelized sweetness, Sunshine Barbecue Chicken is the ultimate summer-inspired grilled dish. Juicy chicken thighs are marinated in a zesty blend of orange and lemon juice, balanced with honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of warming spices like paprika and cumin. The result is tender, flavor-packed meat with a glossy glaze, thanks to a quick simmer of the marinade for basting. Whether grilled to perfection or roasted in the oven, this easy recipe captures sunshine on a plate. Garnished with fresh parsley, it pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables, rice, or a crisp side salad. Quick prep, bold flavor, and natural ingredients make this dish perfect for weeknight dinners or backyard barbecues.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 6 pieces chicken thighs
• 0.5 cups orange juice
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Set aside.

Step 2

In a mixing bowl, combine orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, paprika, ground cumin, black pepper, and salt. Whisk together to create the marinade.

Step 3

Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).

Step 4

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 375°F (190°C). If you don't have a grill, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 5

Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off (do not discard the marinade, as it will be used later).

Step 6

For grilling: Place chicken thighs on the grill, skin-side down, and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). For baking: Arrange the chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach the same internal temperature.

Step 7

While the chicken is cooking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes to thicken slightly. This will serve as a basting sauce or additional drizzle.

Step 8

Brush the thickened marinade over the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking for extra flavor and a beautiful glaze.

Step 9

Once cooked, remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Step 10

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve alongside your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, rice, or a crisp salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1115.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2235.9

Total Fat 128.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 33.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 846mg	0%
Sodium 2502.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 20.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 1.9g	0%
Total Sugars 11.1g
Protein 237.9g	0%

Vitamin D 63IU	0%
Calcium 161.7mg	0%
Iron 10.8mg	0%
Potassium 2601.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.8%

Protein: 43.5%

Carbs: 3.8%