This juicy grilled chicken gets a zip of flavor from citrus juice, making every bite refreshing and tasty! The sweet glaze adds a lovely shine and a hint of sweetness.
Grilling makes this dish fun and easy. I love how the citrus makes it feel like summer, even on chilly days! Serve it with a side salad for a perfect meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using chicken thighs, which are more flavorful and juicy.
Citrus Juices: Fresh orange juice is key for that vibrant flavor. If fresh oranges aren’t available, you can use bottled juice. For a twist, try mixing in some lime juice for a zesty kick!
Honey: Honey gives that sweet glaze a unique taste. If you need a substitute, agave syrup or maple syrup can also work well. Just remember that maple will change the flavor slightly.
Dijon Mustard: This adds a nice tang. If you don’t have it on hand, yellow mustard or even a bit of mayonnaise can serve as alternatives.
How Do You Ensure Juicy Grilled Chicken?
To keep your chicken juicy, marinating is super important. It not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat. Make sure to not skip the resting step after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but 1-2 hours is even better.
- Keep the grill at medium-high heat. A hot grill will create a nice sear.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F or 75°C). This prevents overcooking.
Following these tips will help you achieve that perfectly juicy grilled chicken every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Grilled Citrus Chicken with Sweet Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Marinade:
- 1/3 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 orange)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro
- Orange slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled chicken takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating (1-2 hours is ideal). The grilling itself will take about 12 minutes. Total time is around 50 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined. This marinade is what gives the chicken its wonderful citrus flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, let it marinate for 1-2 hours. This will help the chicken absorb all that yummy flavor.
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Place the chicken on the hot grill. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is nicely charred and juicy. Don’t forget to use a meat thermometer for the best results!
5. Prepare the Sweet Glaze:
While the chicken is grilling, take the reserved marinade and pour it into a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens a bit. This will be your sweet glaze!
6. Glaze the Chicken:
During the last minute of cooking, brush the chicken generously with the warm glaze and allow it to caramelize slightly. This adds a lovely finish!
7. Let it Rest:
Once grilled, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest on a plate for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Plate the grilled citrus chicken, drizzle with any additional glaze if you desire, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro along with some orange slices. Serve it up with your favorite sides like grilled vegetables or a refreshing salad!
Enjoy this bright, flavorful grilled chicken with a sweet and tangy citrus glaze! You’ll find it’s a hit at any table!
FAQ for Easy Grilled Citrus Chicken with Sweet Glaze
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use bone-in chicken thighs or breasts. Just adjust the grilling time, as bone-in cuts take longer to cook through. Make sure to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you need a substitute for honey, agave syrup or maple syrup will work well, although they may slightly alter the flavor. You can also use brown sugar mixed with a bit of water if that’s what you have on hand!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover grilled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Yes, marinating the chicken overnight will enhance the flavors even more! Just be mindful of the acidity from the citrus; marinate for no longer than 24 hours to ensure the chicken doesn’t become too tender or mushy.
