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Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe

Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe

Rebecca
This citrus-marinated grilled chicken is bursting with fresh flavors from orange, lemon, and lime juice, enhanced with garlic, shallots, and herbs. The chicken is marinated for up to 4 hours, then grilled to juicy perfection. A sweet and tangy citrus glaze made from the reserved marinade and honey adds extra flavor. Perfect for a light and refreshing meal!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marinating time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 811 kcal

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! 
Keyword Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe