Grilled Citrus Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Grilled Citrus Chicken is a bright and flavorful dish perfect for warm-weather meals. The combination of orange and lemon juice adds a refreshing tang that complements the smoky char from the grill. It’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine the orange juice and lemon juice. Place the chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring they are fully covered. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
- Step 2: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Step 3: While grilling, occasionally brush the chicken with fresh orange and lemon juice to build a flavorful glaze. Once cooked, remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add minced garlic and a teaspoon of honey to the marinade.
- Use lime juice instead of lemon for a different citrus twist.
- If you don’t have a grill, cook the chicken under a broiler or in a grill pan on the stovetop.
Storage
Store leftover grilled citrus chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well with this recipe and tend to stay juicy during grilling. Adjust cooking time as thighs may take a few minutes longer.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinating for at least 30 minutes allows the citrus flavors to infuse the chicken. You can marinate for up to 2 hours, but avoid exceeding this time as the acidity can start to break down the meat texture.
PrintGrilled Citrus Chicken Recipe
This Grilled Citrus Chicken recipe features tender chicken marinated in a vibrant blend of fresh orange and lemon juice for a burst of citrus flavor. Perfectly grilled to juicy perfection and finished with a light glaze, this dish is a healthy and flavorful option for a quick weeknight meal or weekend barbecue.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Glaze
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the fresh orange juice, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together until well mixed to create a zesty citrus marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated evenly. Refrigerate and let marinate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F (190-204°C), and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place on the heated grill. Cook each side for 6-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear. Avoid moving the chicken too much to get nice grill marks.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the chicken cooks, in a small saucepan or bowl, mix orange juice, lemon juice, and honey. Warm gently if desired to combine the flavors better.
- Brush with Glaze: During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the citrus glaze over the chicken breasts on both sides. This will add a sweet and tangy finishing touch and enhance the caramelization.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices for a moist and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to 4 hours) will deepen the citrus flavor.
- Serve with a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is safely cooked through without overcooking.
- For extra zest, add some grated lemon or orange zest to the marinade.
- If you prefer, chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier result.
Keywords: Grilled chicken, Citrus chicken, Healthy dinner, BBQ chicken, Orange lemon marinade
