This Easy Grilled Citrus Chicken is a tasty treat! The zesty citrus and sweet glaze come together to make each bite burst with flavor. Perfect for a sunny day!
Grilling this chicken is so simple, even I can do it! I love serving it with a side of veggies and watching everyone enjoy it. Plus, it’s great for leftovers, if there are any! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless are best for this recipe because they cook evenly and stay juicy. You can substitute with thighs for a richer flavor or even use tofu if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.
Citrus Juices: Fresh orange and lemon juice are essential for that zesty flavor! If you don’t have fresh, you can use bottled juice, but taste will differ slightly. You could also swap in lime juice for a nice twist.
Honey: This adds sweetness and helps create the glaze. If you’re vegan, agave syrup or maple syrup works well as substitutes. Just note that this might alter the final flavor a bit!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is a must for its pungent taste. You can substitute with garlic powder, using about 1/4 teaspoon per clove, if needed in a pinch.
How Can You Ensure Your Chicken Stays Juicy on the Grill?
Keeping your chicken juicy is all about marinating and cooking at the right temperature. To ensure tenderness:
- Marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes. The longer, the better—as the acids in the citrus keep it flavorful and moist.
- Grill the chicken over medium-high heat. This cooks it quickly while searing the outside to lock in juices.
- Don’t overcook! Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling. This helps redistribute juices so every bite is juicy.
Easy Grilled Citrus Chicken with Sweet Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- Zest of 1 orange
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish (such as parsley or cilantro)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and about 15-20 minutes of grilling time. While you marinate the chicken, you can set up the grill and get everything ready, for a total of around 30-40 minutes to deliciousness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the fresh orange juice, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, olive oil, and grated ginger if you’re using it. Add the orange zest as well. Whisk everything together until it’s nice and smooth. This will be the flavor base for your chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper on both sides. In a shallow dish or a ziplock bag, add the chicken and pour half of that lovely citrus marinade over it. Make sure the chicken is well coated and then pop it in the fridge to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you have the time!
3. Preheat the Grill:
Get your grill heated up to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates with some cooking spray or brush them with oil to stop the chicken from sticking. This helps create those beautiful grill marks and keeps dinner disaster-free!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken out of the marinade and place it on the hot grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on one side until you see gorgeous grill marks. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). It’s going to smell amazing!
5. Prepare the Sweet Glaze:
While your chicken is grilling, pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil to kill any bacteria, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes or until it thickens slightly. This will become your sweet glaze to brush on at the end!
6. Brush and Serve:
During the last minute of grilling, generously brush the thickened glaze all over the chicken. This gives it a beautiful shine and extra sweetness. Once cooked, take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This is important because it keeps the juices in!
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
Garnish your grilled chicken with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. Serve it warm alongside your favorite sides, and get ready for compliments!
Enjoy your flavorful and juicy Easy Grilled Citrus Chicken with Sweet Glaze!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken Instead of Boneless?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that bone-in chicken may take longer to cook. Make sure to check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to a maximum of 2 hours in the refrigerator. Marinating longer may make the chicken too tender, so stick to this range for the best results!
What Should I Serve with Grilled Citrus Chicken?
This chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides! Consider serving it with grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or over a bed of rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious glaze.
How Do I Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to maintain moisture.
