Description
This Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken breasts or thighs marinated in a zesty blend of fresh oranges, lemons, and limes. The chicken is grilled to perfection and finished with a sticky, sweet-and-savory citrus glaze that adds a delicious caramelized touch. Perfect for a fresh summer meal or an impressive dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare and packed with bright, refreshing flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Juice and zest of 2 oranges
- Juice and zest of 2 lemons
- Juice and zest of 2 limes
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Glaze
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
For Garnish and Serving
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro), chopped
- Extra citrus slices
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the juice and zest of the oranges, lemons, and limes. Add the minced garlic, olive oil, honey, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk all ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the citrus marinade over the chicken, making sure all pieces are evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply infuse the meat.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan, whisk together the freshly squeezed orange juice, honey, soy sauce, cornstarch, and optional red pepper flakes until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the glaze thickens into a smooth, syrupy consistency, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the chicken from sticking during cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is golden with a slight char.
- Apply the Glaze: In the last few minutes of grilling, generously brush the thickened glaze onto each side of the chicken. Flip the chicken once or twice more to help the glaze caramelize but be careful to avoid burning.
- Serve: Transfer the grilled citrus chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs and extra citrus slices. Serve hot alongside your favorite sides such as grilled vegetables, salad, or steamed rice.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for the best flavor infusion.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or broil the chicken in the oven.
- Adjust the amount of honey in the glaze to your desired sweetness level.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (75°C).
- Adding red pepper flakes to the glaze adds a nice subtle heat but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
