This grilled citrus chicken is bursting with fresh flavors! Marinated in zesty orange and lemon juice, it becomes juicy and tender with a sweet glaze that’s super easy to make.
I love firing up the grill and making this dish for family dinners. It always impresses everyone, and the bright flavors make it feel like a summer party on your plate! 🍗☀️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts are great for grilling, but you can also use thighs if you prefer a juicier option. Thighs have more flavor and are less likely to dry out when cooking.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice is ideal for this recipe. If you’re short on time, bottled juice will work in a pinch. You can replace it with tangerine or grapefruit juice for a slightly different flavor.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. If you don’t have lemons, lime juice could be a nice twist. Just adjust the amount to taste, as limes can be stronger.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness. You can substitute it with avocado oil or canola oil, which also have high smoke points for grilling.
Honey: I find honey adds a lovely sweetness to the glaze. Maple syrup could be a nice alternative if you want to keep it vegan, or agave syrup works too!
Dried Oregano: If you don’t have it, Italian seasoning is a good mix of herbs that can replace oregano. Fresh herbs could enhance the flavors even more if you have them on hand.
How Do I Grill Chicken for Perfect Juiciness?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but here’s how to keep it juicy! The marinade is your best friend, as it builds flavor and moisture. Letting the chicken marinate for at least an hour helps.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This keeps the chicken from sticking and cooks it evenly.
- When you place the chicken on the grill, avoid pressing down on it, as this squeezes out the juices.
- Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 6-7 minutes on each side, only flipping once. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- After grilling, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps redistribute the juices, keeping it moist and tender.
Delicious 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 olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Lemon and orange slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and requires at least 1 hour for marinating (or longer for better flavor). Grilling the chicken will take an additional 15 minutes. Overall, you’ll need about 30-60 minutes hands-on time, plus the marinating time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper. This will create a tasty marinade that will infuse your chicken with wonderful citrus flavors.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, and pour the marinade over them. Make sure the chicken is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour—or even better, let it marinate for 4 hours or overnight!
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will help get those nice grill marks on your chicken.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken out of the marinade and discard the marinade. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want to cook it until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s cooked through. Optional: Brush each side with a little olive oil while grilling for added flavor.
5. Let It Rest:
Once cooked, take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the chicken and arrange it beautifully on a serving platter. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and lemon and orange slices for a colorful presentation. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious grilled citrus chicken!
Can I Use Other Citrus Juices in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While orange and lemon create a lovely balance, you can substitute other citrus juices based on your preference. Grapefruit juice adds a unique twist, or you can use lime juice for a more zesty flavor. Just remember to adjust the sweetness with a little more honey if the new juice is more tart!
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for a minimum of 1 hour, but for the best flavor, aim for 4 hours or even overnight! Just be cautious not to marinate for longer than 24 hours, as the acidity can start to break down the chicken and make it mushy.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have a Grill?
No grill? No problem! You can cook the marinated chicken in a grill pan on the stovetop or bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Just ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or a skillet. If the chicken seems dry, add a splash of water or chicken broth while reheating to keep it juicy!
