This grilled citrus chicken is a bright and tasty meal! Marinated in fresh orange and lemon juice, it’s bursting with flavor and gets a sweet glaze that makes it oh-so-yummy.
Who doesn’t love a dinner that tastes like summer? I often serve it with rice or veggies, and my family gobbles it up. You might want to make extra because leftovers are just as good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe since they grill well and cook quickly. If you prefer, you can swap them for thighs for extra flavor and juiciness.
Fresh Orange and Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice gives this dish its vibrant flavor. For convenience, you can use bottled juice, but always choose 100% juice without added sugar. If you want a fun twist, try lime juice instead!
Honey or Maple Syrup: Both work nicely to sweeten the glaze. If you’re looking for a sugar-free option, try agave syrup or use a sugar substitute like stevia.
Dried Rosemary: Dried rosemary is easy to use, but fresh herbs add more flavor. Thyme or oregano also make great substitutes. Fresh herbs should be used in larger amounts—about three times more than dried.
How to Ensure Your Chicken is Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll have juicy results! Here’s how to do it right:
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to get the best flavor. If you have time, 1-2 hours is better.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (400°F/200°C). A hot grill will sear the chicken and lock in juices.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Aim for 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the chicken.
- Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, without flipping too often. This helps get nice grill marks and a delicious glaze.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have a perfect grilled chicken every time!
Easy Grilled Citrus Chicken with Sweet Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 1-2 oranges)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 teaspoon fresh, chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or rosemary sprigs
- Orange slices for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus a marinating time of at least 30 minutes to 2 hours. After marinating, the cooking on the grill will take around 10-15 minutes. In total, you’re looking at approximately 45 minutes to 2 hours for preparation and cooking, depending on your marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, lemon juice, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper until everything is well combined and smooth. This marinade will add wonderful flavor to your chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the citrus marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate. For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but 1 to 2 hours is even better!
3. Prepare the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F/200°C). While the grill is heating up, lightly oil the grates to prevent the chicken from sticking.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts out of the marinade, but don’t throw away the marinade—set it aside to use for glazing later. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, brushing occasionally with the reserved marinade, until the chicken is fully cooked, tender, and has nice grill marks. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Finish and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a serving plate and brush it with any remaining marinade or glaze. Garnish with fresh parsley or rosemary for a pop of color, and serve with orange slices on the side for an extra touch of deliciousness.
6. Enjoy!
Enjoy your grilled citrus chicken warm with sides like steamed veggies, fluffy rice, or a fresh salad. It’s a meal that everyone will love!
FAQ for Easy Grilled Citrus Chicken with Sweet Glaze
Can I Use Other Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used for this recipe, you can also use thighs or drumsticks for more flavor and juiciness. Just adjust the grilling time as thighs might take a bit longer.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Citrus Juice?
If fresh orange and lemon juice aren’t available, you can use bottled juice instead. Make sure it’s 100% juice with no added sugars for the best flavor. Remember, fresh juice gives a brighter taste, so use fresh when you can!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or briefly warm in a skillet over low heat to keep it juicy. Pair it with a fresh salad or wrap it in a tortilla for a tasty lunch!
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully! Just add the chicken when you’re ready to cook.
