If there ever was a dish that could bottle up sunshine on a plate, Grilled Citrus Chicken with Citrus Glaze would be it. This zesty, juicy chicken is everything you want in a summer dinner: bright with citrus, slightly sweet, and kissed with caramelized grill marks. The magic is in the marinade, which does double duty as a glaze, transforming simple ingredients into something truly outstanding. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, flavorful, and healthy recipe that makes your taste buds dance, you’re in for a real treat with Grilled Citrus Chicken with Citrus Glaze.

Grilled Citrus Chicken with Citrus Glaze Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe serves a purpose, working together to create layers of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. You likely have most of these kitchen staples on hand, but their combination here is what makes this dish pop in both color and taste.

Chicken Breasts: Lean, protein-rich, and perfect for soaking up that lively citrus marinade.
Orange Juice: Adds natural sweetness and a bold citrus flavor, helping to tenderize the chicken.
Lemon Juice: Brings a tangy brightness, making the flavors really sing.
Lime Juice: Adds punchy acidity and a signature southwest flair.
Olive Oil: Keeps the chicken moist and infuses richness into each bite.
Honey: Balances tartness with just the right amount of sweetness, and helps with caramelization on the grill.
Dijon Mustard: Offers a little tang and complexity, rounding out the glaze.
Garlic: Delivers aromatic depth and a mild kick.
Soy Sauce: Contributes saltiness and umami, enhancing all the other flavors.
Salt: Essential for bringing out all the citrus notes.
Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and earthiness.
Paprika: Lends a gentle smokiness and a hint of warm color.
Orange Zest: Intensifies citrus flavor without extra liquid, giving vibrancy and aroma.
Lemon Zest: Adds bittersweet fragrance and even more bright citrus notes.
Lime Zest: A little goes a long way in amping up the tangy, tropical vibe.

How to Make Grilled Citrus Chicken with Citrus Glaze

Step 1: Make the Citrus Marinade and Glaze Base

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and whisking together the orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, soy sauce, salt, black pepper, paprika, and all that wonderfully fragrant citrus zest. It should smell bright, fresh, and absolutely inviting. This mixture is your ticket to infusing every bite of chicken with undeniably delicious flavor.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Pour half of the citrus marinade into a large resealable plastic bag, then nestle in the chicken breasts until they’re well coated. Pop the bag in your fridge and let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours—though if you have the time, overnight is fantastic for maximum flavor. The citrus acids work to tenderize the meat, while every ingredient melds into an irresistible bath for the chicken.

Step 3: Prepare the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat so it’s nice and hot when your chicken is ready to go. This not only helps with gorgeous grill marks but also seals in those juices for perfectly tender results. Give the grill grates a quick oiling to prevent sticking for the Grilled Citrus Chicken with Citrus Glaze.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Take the chicken out of the marinade (letting any excess drip off) and lay each breast directly onto the hot grill. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side. You’ll know it’s ready to flip when those savory grill marks start to appear and the chicken releases easily from the grates. The citrus marinade caramelizes beautifully, giving each piece deliciously crisp edges.

Step 5: Make and Apply the Citrus Glaze

While the chicken grills, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil (so it’s safe to eat), then let it gently simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens into a glossy glaze. In the last couple of minutes of grilling, brush this citrus glaze onto the chicken, layering on that bright sticky finish that makes every bite pop. Serve extra glaze on the side for dunking or drizzling.

How to Serve Grilled Citrus Chicken with Citrus Glaze

Garnishes

Fresh citrus slices, sprigs of chopped parsley or cilantro, or even thinly sliced green onions make beautiful, aromatic garnishes. These not only add a burst of color to your platter but also play up the dish’s sunny citrus notes.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs perfectly with fluffy rice, grilled veggies, or a fresh, zesty salad—think mixed greens tossed with orange segments and a light vinaigrette. The tangy flavors complement just about anything summery you love.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken and fanning it out over a bed of arugula, or serve with skewers for a fun backyard BBQ vibe. For a dinner party, plate with citrus wedges and a drizzle of extra glaze in vibrant zig-zags. The Grilled Citrus Chicken with Citrus Glaze is as stunning to look at as it is to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Grilled Citrus Chicken with Citrus Glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken will stay moist and flavorful for up to three days, making it terrific for meal prepping lunches or quick dinners later in the week.

Freezing

You can freeze grilled chicken easily! Slice or leave whole, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and store in a freezer bag. It will keep well for up to three months. Just remember to freeze some extra glaze in a small container as well for topping after reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the chicken gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water or extra glaze to keep things juicy. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to help the chicken retain its tenderness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a delicious alternative and tend to be even juicier. Just keep in mind they may need a few extra minutes on the grill compared to breasts.

How do I know when my chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer—look for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the chicken. The juices should run clear and the meat should feel firm to the touch.

Can I make the citrus glaze ahead of time?

Yes! You can simmer the glaze in advance and store it in the fridge for up to five days. Warm it gently before serving for best flavor and consistency.

Is Grilled Citrus Chicken with Citrus Glaze gluten-free?

It is, just double-check your soy sauce label or use a gluten-free substitute to ensure the dish remains gluten-free. Everything else on the ingredient list fits perfectly in a gluten-free diet.

How can I add some spice to the dish?

If you love a bit of heat, add 1/4 teaspoon (or more) of red pepper flakes to the marinade and glaze. You can also sprinkle chili powder or a little hot sauce into the glaze for extra zing.

Final Thoughts

Nothing brings people together quite like a platter of Grilled Citrus Chicken with Citrus Glaze, its bright flavors and juicy, tender texture always a conversation starter. I hope you give this recipe a try the next time you fire up the grill—you might just discover a new warm-weather favorite!

Grilled Citrus Chicken with Citrus Glaze Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Grilled Citrus Chicken with Citrus Glaze recipe brings a burst of tangy flavors to your summer grilling. Juicy chicken breasts marinated in a citrusy blend and grilled to perfection, then brushed with a zesty glaze.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade:

1/4 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Zest of 1 orange
Zest of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 lime

Additional:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

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Instructions

Prepare Marinade: Whisk together orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, soy sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and all citrus zests until well blended.
Marinate Chicken: Pour half of the marinade over chicken in a resealable bag; refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Grill Chicken: Preheat grill, remove chicken from marinade, grill for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through.
Make Glaze: Simmer remaining marinade in a saucepan until slightly thickened.
Glaze Chicken: Brush chicken with glaze during final minutes of grilling.
Serve: Serve chicken with extra glaze on the side.