This Grilled Citrus Chicken is bursting with fresh flavors! The chicken is marinated in zesty citrus juice, giving it a bright and tangy taste that makes your taste buds dance.
Honestly, the glaze is the star here. It’s sticky, sweet, and oh-so-good! I like to serve it with a side of veggies and watch everyone go for seconds. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for grilling. If you want a leaner option, you could try turkey breasts. For a different texture, bone-in chicken thighs can add more flavor and moisture.
Citrus Juices: The mix of orange, lemon, and lime juice brings brightness to this dish. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can increase the orange juice. If you’re out of fresh citrus, bottled juice works too but is less vibrant.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness to balance the acidity of the citrus. If you need a vegan option, maple syrup or agave nectar is a great substitute. Just keep in mind it might change the flavor slightly.
Olive Oil: This helps create a smooth marinade. If you’re looking for a different taste, avocado oil or canola oil will also work well. Both have a high smoke point suitable for grilling.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the marinade a punchy flavor. In a pinch, garlic powder can substitute—use about a teaspoon for each clove—but fresh is always best.
How Do I Make the Perfect Marinade?
Creating a balanced marinade is crucial for flavorful grilled chicken. Start with the right proportions of acidic ingredients (like citrus juice) and a sweetener (like honey). This combination helps tenderize the meat while infusing it with flavor.
- Whisk the citrus juices, honey, and olive oil together until smooth, then mix in garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano. This helps the flavors meld together.
- Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 1 hour, but up to 4 hours will yield great results. Just be careful not to over-marinate as the acidity can break down the chicken too much.
Always set aside some marinade for brushing while grilling, but ensure it hasn’t touched raw chicken for safety!
Grilled Citrus Chicken With Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For The Marinade:
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
For Garnish:
- Fresh rosemary
- Lemon and orange slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and marinating, plus an additional 15 minutes for grilling. So, you can expect it to be ready in about 30 minutes—perfect for a tasty weeknight dinner or weekend barbecue!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
Start by gathering all your marinade ingredients. In a medium bowl, mix together the orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Whisk them together until everything is well blended to make a delicious marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that it’s well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. If you have time, marinate it for up to 4 hours for an extra boost of flavor!
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, fire up your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and set it aside at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until it’s cooked through and the juices run clear. To ensure it’s safe to eat, check that the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C) with a meat thermometer.
4. Finish Up and Serve:
While grilling, you can brush some of the leftover marinade on the chicken for extra flavor, but remember to use a fresh batch that hasn’t touched raw chicken! Once the chicken is cooked, take it off the grill, cover it with foil, and let it rest for about 5 minutes. When ready, garnish with fresh rosemary and serve with lemon and orange slices on the side. Enjoy your delicious grilled citrus chicken!
Can I Use Different Citrus Juices in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you don’t have orange, lemon, or lime juice on hand, you can use other citrus juices like grapefruit or tangerine. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for anywhere from 1 hour to 4 hours. For the best flavor, aim for closer to 4 hours, but don’t marinate for more than 6 hours as the acid in the citrus can start breaking down the chicken, making it mushy.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the chicken in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through.
Can I Grill the Chicken Indoors?
Yes! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can use a grill pan on your stovetop. Simply preheat the pan over medium-high heat and grill the chicken as directed, adjusting the cooking time as needed since indoor grills may cook differently.
