This Grilled Citrus Chicken is full of bright flavors! Marinated in a mix of citrus juices and spices, it gets a tasty glaze while cooking on the grill. Perfect for summer days!
Nothing beats the smell of chicken sizzling away outdoors. I love serving it with a side of fresh veggies or a light salad. It just feels like a sunny day on a plate! ☀️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts are ideal for grilling as they cook evenly. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey breasts can work too. For a heartier flavor, consider bone-in chicken thighs. They stay juicy and add richness.
Fresh Citrus Juices: Fresh orange and lemon juices give a bright flavor. If you don’t have fresh juice, bottled juice can work, but choose a brand without added sugars or preservatives for the best taste. Lime juice can also be a zesty alternative.
Honey: Honey sweetens and balances the acidity of the citrus. If you’re vegan or prefer a different sweetener, maple syrup or agave nectar can be great substitutes. Adjust the quantity based on your desired sweetness.
Garlic & Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger add depth to the marinade. If you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder and ground ginger, but fresh is always tastier. If you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove!
How Do You Ensure the Chicken is Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling chicken can be tricky if you’re not familiar with the process. Here are some key steps to make sure your chicken turns out juicy and flavorful:
- Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible. This helps infuse flavor.
- Before grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high and brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking.
- When placing the chicken on the grill, don’t move it around too much. Let it sear for about 6-7 minutes on each side.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—165°F (75°C) is your target temperature.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps keep it juicy.
How to Make Grilled Citrus Chicken With Glaze?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon and orange slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled citrus chicken will take about 15 minutes to prepare, and you should marinate it for at least 1 hour (or overnight if you have the time!). The grilling will take about 15 minutes, making it perfect for a tasty meal in under 40 minutes total, not counting the marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the fresh orange juice, lemon juice, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk to mix everything together until it is well combined and smooth. This marinade will add a ton of flavor to your chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is nicely coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, but overnight is even better for extra flavor!
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Before grilling, oil the grates with a paper towel dipped in oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. This step is important to get those nice grill marks!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess marinade drip off—you can discard the marinade now. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and have a nice char on the outside.
5. Let it Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked through, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy. Finally, garnish your grilled chicken with fresh chopped parsley and serve with slices of lemon and orange on the side. Enjoy your bright and flavorful grilled citrus chicken!
Can I Use Other Citrus Juices Instead?
Absolutely! If you’re out of oranges or lemons, you can substitute them with grapefruits or limes for a different twist. Just keep the same quantity to maintain the balance of flavors in the marinade.
Can I Marinate the Chicken for Longer Than One Night?
While marinating overnight is ideal, it’s best to stick to about 24 hours maximum. Marinating chicken for too long, especially with acidic ingredients like citrus juice, can make it overly tender and affect the texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep it moist when reheating, try warming it in the oven at a low temperature or covered in the microwave with a splash of water.
Can I Bake the Chicken Instead of Grilling?
Yes, you can bake the chicken! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You may want to broil it for the last few minutes for a nice char!
