This Grilled Citrus Chicken is juicy and packed with flavor! It’s marinated in a zesty mix of citrus juices, making it bright and refreshing. The sweet glaze adds a nice touch!
I love serving this chicken at summer BBQs. It’s so easy to make, and everyone always goes for seconds. Plus, the bright colors just make my plate look pretty! 🍗🍊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for grilling. If you prefer dark meat, you can use thighs, which stay juicier. Try to stick with skinless for a less greasy finish.
Citrus Juices: Freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice add wonderful flavor. If fresh citrus isn’t available, bottled juice works in a pinch, but avoid overly processed options. I always prefer fresh for the best taste.
Olive Oil: It gives the marinade a great depth. If you need a substitute, avocado oil works well. It’s also healthy and has a similar taste profile.
Honey: This adds a touch of sweetness. Maple syrup can be a good alternative if you want a vegan option, but the flavor will change slightly. I use honey for that perfect balance in the glaze.
Dijon Mustard: It provides a nice tang. You can substitute with whole grain mustard for extra texture or yellow mustard in a pinch, but Dijon is my favorite for its smoothness.
How Do I Marinate Chicken Properly?
Marinating chicken not only adds flavor but also keeps it juicy. Here’s how to get the best results:
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl, whisking until everything is mixed well.
- Make sure the chicken is completely coated in the marinade. A resealable bag is great for this, as it allows the marinade to work its magic all around the chicken.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, letting it sit for a few hours helps deepen the flavors. Just don’t exceed four hours, or the meat can become mushy.
How to Make Grilled Citrus Chicken With Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
For the Chicken and Garnish:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Fresh rosemary or parsley for garnish
- Lemon and orange slices for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled citrus chicken recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and at least 30 minutes for marinating. You’ll spend about 15 minutes grilling, making it a total of about 55 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a tasty dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and both citrus zests. Make sure everything is well mixed and combined—this will be the flavorful marinade for the chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it coats the chicken well. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let it refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, allowing it to marinate for up to 4 hours will add even more flavor!
3. Grill the Chicken:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat while the chicken is marinating. Once ready, take the chicken out of the marinade and discard the leftover marinade. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You’re looking for nice grill marks and the chicken should be cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
4. Serve and Enjoy:
After grilling, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy! Then, slice the grilled chicken and arrange it nicely on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh rosemary or parsley and add lemon and orange slices for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy your delicious grilled citrus chicken!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work beautifully in this recipe and will give you a juicier result. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through—aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Is It Possible to Make This Glaze Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before using, especially if the oil solidifies.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use the microwave in short intervals.
Can I Substitute the Honey with Another Sweetener?
Definitely! You can use maple syrup or agave syrup as great alternatives to honey. If you prefer a sugar-free option, consider using a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol, but adjust the amount to taste since they can be sweeter than honey.
