This Grilled Citrus Chicken is packed with fresh flavors from oranges and lemons, making it super refreshing. The bright citrus glaze gives the chicken a zesty kick that’s hard to resist!
Cooking this dish reminds me of sunny picnics. I just marinate the chicken, toss it on the grill, and savor the tangy goodness. It’s perfect for summer barbecues, and my family can’t get enough!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are great for grilling. If you’re looking for a different texture, try bone-in chicken thighs instead. They stay juicy and flavorful on the grill.
Fresh Citrus Juices: Orange, lemon, and lime juices give this dish its bright flavor. If fresh juice isn’t available, bottled juice works too, but fresh is always better for taste.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and helps with caramelization. If you prefer a different sweetener, maple syrup or agave nectar can be good alternatives.
Dijon Mustard: I love Dijon for its tanginess, but you can swap it for yellow mustard or omit it if you’re not a fan of mustard flavor.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is great for grilling, but feel free to use another oil like avocado or canola oil for a milder taste.
How Can I Marinate Chicken Effectively?
Marinating chicken is essential for adding flavor and tenderness! Here’s how to do it right:
- Combine the citrus juices, honey, garlic, mustard, soy sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Place chicken in a resealable bag or dish, pour half the marinade over it, and make sure it’s well coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour; longer (up to 4 hours) gives more flavor.
- Remember to discard used marinade and brush fresh marinade during grilling for that tasty glaze.
This marinating step is key; it helps the chicken absorb all those delicious flavors!
How to Make Grilled Citrus Chicken with Citrus Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade and Glaze:
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
- Orange slices for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This grilled citrus chicken recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 1 hour for marinating. After grilling, allow a few minutes for resting before serving. Overall, you’ll be ready to enjoy this delicious dish in about 1 hour and 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade and Glaze:
Start by taking a medium bowl and whisk together the fresh orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, honey, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, oregano, salt, and black pepper. This tasty mix will be both your marinade and glaze for the chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour half of your citrus marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s nicely coated. Save the other half of the marinade for later. Pop the chicken in the fridge to marinate for at least 1 hour, or go for maximum flavor by marinating it for up to 4 hours.
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. To keep the chicken from sticking, lightly oil the grill grates with a bit of olive oil.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken out from the marinade and discard the used marinade. Now place the chicken on the hot grill. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (75°C) and the chicken should no longer be pink in the center.
5. Glaze the Chicken:
In the last few minutes of grilling, brush the reserved citrus marinade over the chicken to add that delightful glaze. Let it cook for an extra 1-2 minutes until the glaze becomes slightly caramelized and sticky.
6. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is off the grill, let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy! After resting, slice the chicken and serve it garnished with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, and with orange slices on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Enjoy your delicious grilled citrus chicken with a flavorful citrus glaze!
Can I Use Other Citrus Juices in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute other citrus juices like grapefruit or tangerine in place of the orange, lemon, or lime juices for a unique flavor twist. Just keep the total volume of juices the same for the best results.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
It’s best to marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but you can go up to 4 hours for even more flavor. Avoid marinating for longer than 8 hours as the acids in the citrus juices can start to break down the chicken, making it mushy.
Can I Cook This Chicken in the Oven Instead of on the Grill?
Yes, you can bake the chicken! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), brushing with the glaze halfway through.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Citrus Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop. To keep it juicy, add a splash of chicken broth or a bit of water while reheating.
