This Easy Grilled Citrus Chicken is a sunny delight! Made with juicy chicken breasts and a bright, zesty glaze, it’s perfect for brightening up your dinner table.
Serving this chicken with a fresh salad is my go-to. I love how the flavors come together, and it’s so easy to make I can quickly whip it up for any meal! 🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you prefer, chicken thighs work great too! They’re juicer and can add more flavor.
Citrus Juices: Fresh orange, lemon, and lime juices create a zesty marinade. You can substitute bottled juices in a pinch, but fresh really makes a difference in flavor!
Honey: Honey adds sweetness to balance the acidity. If you’re looking for a lighter option, maple syrup or agave nectar works well too.
Olive Oil: Olive oil gives the marinade a nice richness. If you want a different flavor, try avocado oil or even sesame oil for a unique twist.
Spices: Cumin and paprika are key for depth. You could swap cumin with coriander or chili powder for different flavor profiles.
What’s the Best Way to Marinate Chicken?
Marinating chicken is vital for adding flavor and tenderness. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure to reserve some marinade for glazing later. This keeps it safe and flavorful!
- Marinate the chicken in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but 2 hours is ideal to really soak in the flavors.
- The longer you marinate (up to 24 hours), the more intense the flavor, but avoid going too long to prevent the chicken from becoming mushy.
Always remember that discarding the used marinade prevents cross-contamination! Enjoy grilling!
Easy Grilled Citrus Chicken with Zesty Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and you’ll want to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours for best flavor. Grilling will take around 12-14 minutes. Overall, you’re looking at about 50-75 minutes total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, cumin, paprika, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until it’s all nicely mixed. This will be your delicious marinade!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Put the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated. Keep the other half of the marinade for later. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes; for more flavor, let it go for up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat the Grill:
Before you start grilling, make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and gets those gorgeous grill marks!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken out of the marinade and throw away the used marinade. Grill the chicken breasts for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want them to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) so they are cooked through and safe to eat.
5. Add the Zesty Glaze:
During the last few minutes on the grill, brush the reserved marinade over the chicken. This creates a fantastic zesty glaze that adds flavor and keeps the chicken moist.
6. Let It Rest:
Once cooked, take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This step helps keep the juices inside the chicken, making it tender and delicious.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro or parsley over the chicken for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy your grilled citrus chicken with your favorite sides, like a fresh salad, tasty grilled veggies, or fluffy rice!
Now, dig in and enjoy your bright and flavorful Easy Grilled Citrus Chicken with Zesty Glaze! Perfect for any meal or gathering.
FAQ for Easy Grilled Citrus Chicken with Zesty Glaze
Can I Use Other Cuts of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used here, you can also use chicken thighs or drumsticks. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to use it, simply add it to the chicken for marinating.
How Should Leftovers Be Stored?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
What Sides Pair Well with Grilled Citrus Chicken?
This dish goes wonderfully with a variety of sides! Consider serving it with a light salad, roasted vegetables, or coconut rice to complement the citrus flavors beautifully.
