This grilled citrus chicken is juicy and bursting with flavor thanks to its sweet glaze. It’s so easy to make, you’ll want to whip it up every week!
The best part? The glaze makes the chicken shine like a superstar on your plate. I love serving it with rice or a simple salad—yum! 🍗✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts keep this dish lean and easy to grill. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, use bone-in chicken thighs instead. They stay juicy and are flavorful as well!
Fresh Orange Juice: Fresh orange juice really brightens this dish. If you’re in a pinch, you can use bottled juice, but try to find one that has no added sugars for the best taste. You can also mix it with grapefruit juice for a twist.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds zest to the glaze. If you don’t have lemons, lime juice is a great substitute, giving a different but delicious citrus flavor.
Honey: Honey gives a lovely sweetness. If you’re vegan or want a lower glycemic option, consider using maple syrup or agave nectar instead.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary enhances the flavor beautifully. Don’t worry if you only have dried herbs; use about one-third the amount since dried herbs are more potent!
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Grilled Chicken?
Getting your chicken perfectly grilled can be tricky, but it’s all about technique. Here’s how:
- Marinate for flavor: Letting the chicken soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes helps it absorb all the flavors.
- Preheat the grill: Make sure your grill is nice and hot before placing the chicken. This helps create a crispy outside and keeps the juices inside.
- Don’t flip too soon: Let the chicken cook for 5-7 minutes on one side before flipping. This allows for those beautiful grill marks!
- Use a meat thermometer: To avoid overcooking, check when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). It ensures juicy chicken every time!
Resting the chicken after grilling is key too! It helps redistribute the juices, making each bite tender and flavorful.
Easy Grilled Citrus Chicken with Sweet Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 large orange)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Orange slices for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time and at least 30 minutes to marinate, so plan for a total of about 40 minutes to enjoy this delicious grilled citrus chicken!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Citrus Glaze:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, lemon juice, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and chopped rosemary. This mixture will be your delicious citrus glaze that adds flavor to the chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour half of the citrus glaze over the chicken. Make sure to seal the bag or cover the dish, then place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes; letting it sit for 1-2 hours will give it even more flavor!
3. Preheat Your Grill:
While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once heated, lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the chicken from sticking.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts out of the marinade (remember to discard the marinade that touched raw chicken). Place the chicken directly on the grill. Grill each side for 5-7 minutes, brushing occasionally with the reserved half of the citrus glaze. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink inside and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Rest the Chicken:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This step is important for keeping the chicken juicy.
6. Plate and Garnish:
Arrange the grilled chicken on a plate and drizzle any remaining warm glaze over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and, if desired, some orange slices for a pretty presentation.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your grilled citrus chicken warm, alongside rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad. Enjoy the bright, sweet flavors of this delightful dish!
Dig in and savor every bite of this flavorful grilled chicken! 🍊🍗
FAQ for Easy Grilled Citrus Chicken with Sweet Glaze
Can I Use Other Meats Besides Chicken?
Absolutely! This citrus glaze works wonderfully with pork chops or even salmon. Just adjust cooking times according to the type of meat you choose to ensure it’s cooked through.
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Citrus Fruits?
If you don’t have fresh oranges or lemons, you can use bottled juice in a pinch. Look for 100% juice with no added sugars for the best results. You can also try bottled lemon-lime soda for a fun twist!
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Yes, marinating overnight will enhance the flavor even more! Just make sure to keep it in the refrigerator and use the marinade within 24 hours for food safety.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stove, making sure to not overcook the chicken to keep it tender.
