The first time I made Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe, I was blown away by how flavorful and juicy it turned out. The citrus marinade is a melody of bright, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors that give the chicken such a unique taste. And then there’s the glaze – oh, the glaze! It’s the finishing touch that takes this dish to a whole new level.
Whether it’s a casual barbecue with friends, a family dinner, or just a day when you’re craving something light yet satisfying, this recipe has become my go-to. The best part is how easy it is to prepare, but the taste makes it seem like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. If I could bottle the aroma of this chicken on the grill, I’d say it smells like summer. Now, I’m excited to share this incredible recipe with you. Trust me, you’ll love it as much as I do!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Here’s why this dish will become a go-to favorite!
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a weekday dinner or weekend grilling session, this recipe is versatile enough to fit any event.
Bursting with Fresh Flavors
Loaded with fresh citrus juice and zest, this dish is a flavor bomb that tastes as good as it smells.
Quick and Simple to Prepare
The prep time is minimal, and grilling doesn’t take long, making it perfect for busy days.
Healthy and Adaptable
This recipe is naturally low-carb and can be adjusted for various diets, including paleo and gluten-free.
Meal Prep Friendly
Leftovers are just as delicious! This chicken pairs beautifully with salads, wraps, or rice for another quick meal.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (includes marinating time)
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts
- Fresh orange juice
- Orange zest
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Lime juice
- Lime zest
- Garlic
- Shallots
- Olive oil
- Brown sugar
- Salt
- Pepper
- Fresh rosemary
- Dried parsley
- Red pepper flakes
- Honey (for glaze)
Variations
- Low-Sugar Option: Replace brown sugar with a low-calorie sweetener to reduce sugar content.
- Herb Swap: Substitute rosemary with thyme or sage for a different flavor profile.
- Add Heat: Toss in some chili powder or cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Vegan Alternative: Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken for a plant-based twist!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Zester: To zest oranges, lemons, and limes.
- Juicer: To extract every drop of citrus juice.
- Bowl: To mix the marinade.
- Grill: To cook the chicken to perfection.
- Meat Thermometer: For ensuring safe cooking temperatures.
How to Make Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze?
Follow these simple steps to achieve juicy, flavorful grilled chicken.
Prepare the Marinade 🍊
Start by zesting your oranges, lemons, and limes. Combine the zest and freshly squeezed juices in a medium bowl. Add minced garlic, shallots, olive oil, brown sugar, rosemary, parsley, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Whisk the mixture until well combined.
Marinate the Chicken 🍗
Place your chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour half the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Reserve the other half for the glaze. Allow the chicken to marinate in the fridge for 45 minutes to 1 hour, but no longer than two hours to avoid the chicken becoming mushy.
Fire up the Grill 🔥
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Put the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165˚F for perfectly cooked chicken.
Make the Citrus Glaze 🍯
While the chicken is grilling, pour the reserved marinade into a saucepan. Stir in honey and bring the mixture to a simmer over low heat. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly.
Brush and Serve 🌟
During the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush the citrus glaze generously over each piece of chicken. Once done, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs or a final drizzle of glaze for the perfect bite.
Tips for Making the Recipe
Use Fresh Citrus: Freshly squeezed juice and zest enhance the recipe’s bright flavors.
Marinate Wisely: Don’t marinate for too long; the acid will start “cooking” the chicken.
Check Grill Temperature: Too high, and the chicken may burn before cooking through.
Save That Glaze: Use leftover glaze as a dipping sauce on the side.
How to Serve Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze?
Plate this vibrant dish on a rustic wooden platter or a clean white dish to make the colors pop. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme on top for added freshness and garnish with thinly sliced citrus rounds.
Pair this dish with a side of grilled veggies, roasted potatoes, or a green kale salad for a complete meal. It also works wonderfully as a sandwich filling or shredded over rice bowls. If you’re hosting, serve with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or lemonade for ultimate pairing.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick overview of the nutrition per serving for this dish.
- Calories: 811
- Protein: 86g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fat: 38g
Make Ahead and Storage
This chicken can easily be prepped in advance. Prepare the marinade the night before and store it in the fridge. When it’s time to cook, you simply need to marinate the chicken, grill, and serve.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, use a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or leftover glaze to keep the chicken juicy. Avoid freezing as the citrus marinade can alter the texture during thawing.
Grilled citrus chicken with glaze is the star of any meal. Bright, tangy, and downright delicious, this dish will leave your family asking for seconds. Give it a try, and you’ll understand why it’s such a crowd-pleaser! Enjoy!
For a visual guide, watch the full recipe video here:
Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ – 2 lbs chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 large lemon juice + zest
- 2 large limes juice + zest
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 shallots minced
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Herbs & Spice:
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
Citrus Glaze:
- ½ of the marinade
- 2 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Zest and juice the oranges, lemon, and limes. In a bowl, mix the citrus juice and zest with minced garlic, shallots, olive oil, brown sugar, salt, pepper, rosemary, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Stir until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: If using chicken breasts, lightly pound them or butterfly them for even thickness. Place the chicken in a bowl or zip-top bag and pour half of the marinade over it. Reserve the remaining half for the glaze. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 4 hours to prevent the acid from breaking down the meat too much.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F in the thickest part. Adjust cooking time based on the cut of chicken, and use a meat thermometer for accuracy. In the last 1-2 minutes of grilling, brush the chicken with the citrus glaze if using. Remove from the grill and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
- Make the Citrus Glaze (Optional): In a small saucepan, combine the reserved half of the marinade with honey. Bring to a low simmer and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens enough to coat a spoon. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before brushing onto the grilled chicken.
- 💡 Note: If you are not making the glaze, you can reduce the marinade ingredients by half.
Notes
- Use Fresh Citrus: Fresh juice & zest add vibrant flavor.
- Marinate Wisely: Keep it under 4 hours to prevent the chicken from breaking down.
- Control Grill Heat: Avoid burning by maintaining medium-high heat.
- Save the Glaze: Perfect as a dipping sauce on the side!
