This grilled citrus chicken is bursting with bright flavors and a sweet glaze that makes each bite a treat. Perfect for a sunny day or a cozy dinner!
I love how easy this recipe is—just marinate, grill, and enjoy! It’s like a little flavor party on your plate. Pair it with rice or veggies for a complete meal! 🍗✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe as they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work great too and bring a richer flavor.
Fresh Juices: Fresh orange and lemon juice brighten the dish. If you’re short on either, bottled juice will do, but fresh really brings out the flavors! You can also use lime juice for a twist.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness, but you can use maple syrup or agave nectar if you follow a plant-based diet or want a different flavor profile.
Seasonings: I love garlic in this recipe! If you’re not a fan, you can skip it or use garlic powder as an alternative. Rosemary can be swapped for thyme or oregano based on your taste.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Is Juicy And Tender?
To achieve juicy grilled chicken, marinating is key! The marinade not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat. Here are some tips:
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes; longer is better if you can wait!
- Make sure the grill is preheated to medium-high; this creates a nice sear and locks in juices.
- Don’t press down on the chicken while grilling. It will release juices that you want to keep in.
- Always let grilled chicken rest for a few minutes before cutting. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
Easy Grilled Citrus Chicken With Sweet Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Orange slices (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and, with marinating, allows for a total time of around 1 hour and 20 minutes. You’ll spend those first 10 minutes mixing the marinade and marinating the chicken, followed by about 15 minutes grilling. Then, just let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Simple and straightforward!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Whisk Together Your Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, lemon juice, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, chopped rosemary, crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of spice), and some salt and pepper. This creates a zesty marinade that will taste amazing on your chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour half of your marinade over the chicken, making sure they are well-coated. Set aside the other half of the marinade for later. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—longer is even better if you can wait up to 2 hours!
3. Get the Grill Ready:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. This is when the magic begins—time to sizzle!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Now it’s time for the chicken! Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade you used for soaking (we don’t want that for our glaze, as it touched raw chicken). Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, until it’s nicely charred and cooked through. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
5. Add the Sweet Glaze:
In the last 2-3 minutes of grilling, take the reserved marinade and brush it onto both sides of the chicken to add a sweet and glossy finish. This step brings a delightful depth of flavor!
6. Let the Chicken Rest:
Once done grilling, carefully remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This will keep it juicy!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish your grilled chicken with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, and serve with some fresh orange slices on the side for that extra citrusy zing. Enjoy your bright, juicy, and slightly sweet grilled citrus chicken!
FAQ About Easy Grilled Citrus Chicken With Sweet Glaze
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for their quick cooking time, you can also use chicken thighs or drumsticks. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as darker meat may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is It Possible to Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make the marinade in advance and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can also marinate the chicken the night before and grill it the next day for an easy meal prep option.
How Do I Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the grill for a few minutes to retain its flavor and juiciness.
Can I Add More Spice to the Marinade?
Definitely! If you like heat, consider adding more crushed red pepper flakes, or try incorporating some cayenne pepper or even a dash of hot sauce to the marinade. Just remember to adjust to your spice preference!
