This Grilled Citrus Chicken is bursting with fresh flavors! The zesty citrus glaze adds a sweet and tangy touch that makes the chicken juicy and delicious.
Trust me, every bite is like a little party on your plate! I love serving it with a simple salad—it’s light, tasty, and gives you that sunny feeling.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. If you want, thighs can work instead; they will be juicier, albeit with a different texture.
Orange and Lemon: The zest and juice are key for flavor. If you don’t have fresh citrus, bottled juice can substitute, but zest is really best fresh. Consider using lime for a twist!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds great flavor, but avocado oil is a solid alternative that can handle high heat well.
Honey: Honey adds a touch of sweetness. If you’re after a sugar-free option, substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar.
Fresh Rosemary: Fresh rosemary is ideal for aroma and taste. If fresh isn’t available, you can use dried rosemary, just halve the amount needed as it is more concentrated.
How do I Make Sure My Chicken is Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, especially to avoid dryness. Here are some steps to ensure juicy, well-cooked chicken:
- Marinate the chicken for at least one hour, but overnight is even better for flavor and tenderness.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high. Proper heat is key for that lovely char while keeping the inside moist.
- Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check if it’s reached 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping your chicken moist.
How to Make Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Lemon slices
- Orange slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour (or overnight) to marinade the chicken. Grilling will take about 15 minutes. So, plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes total time (or longer if you marinate overnight for extra flavor!).
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a good-sized bowl, mix together the orange zest and juice, lemon zest and juice, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir it well to combine everything into a delicious marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and place them in a zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated nicely. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap, then pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour—if you can wait, letting it sit overnight will give you even more flavor!
3. Get the Grill Ready:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will help get a nice sear on the chicken.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken out of the marinade and throw away the marinade (it’s been on raw chicken, so we don’t want to use it again). Place the chicken on the grill. Cook each piece for about 6-7 minutes on one side. Then flip and grill the other side until the chicken is cooked through (it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C) and has lovely grill marks.
5. Let It Rest & Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy! After resting, slice the chicken and arrange it on a platter. Top it with fresh rosemary and garnish with lemon and orange slices. Enjoy your delicious grilled citrus chicken!
Can I Use Bone-in Chicken Instead of Boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces, but you’ll need to adjust the grilling time. Bone-in chicken generally takes longer to cook—about 10-12 minutes per side—so make sure the internal temperature still reaches 165°F (75°C).
What Substitutes Can I Use for Honey?
If you want to replace honey, maple syrup or agave nectar work well in this recipe. You can also use brown sugar; just dissolve it in the marinade to ensure even sweetness.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Cool the grilled chicken completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or on the grill to maintain its juiciness.
Can I Marinate the Chicken for Longer Than Overnight?
While marinating overnight is great for flavor, you should avoid marinating chicken for more than 24 hours. The acidity from the citrus juice can break down the proteins too much, resulting in a mushy texture. Aim for 1-12 hours for optimal results!
