Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe That Will Transform Dinner Tonight

Have you ever noticed how certain flavors instantly transport you to specific moments in time? For me, the bright, tangy aroma of citrus-marinated chicken sizzling on the grill takes me straight back to Sunday afternoons in my parents’ backyard. This Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe has become my go-to when I need a dose of sunshine, regardless of the season. The combination of juicy chicken, zesty citrus, and that caramelized glaze creates pure magic on your plate – and the best part? It’s surprisingly simple to master.

When my kids first tried this recipe, their plates were clean within minutes (a miracle in our household). That’s when I knew this wasn’t just another chicken dinner – it was something special worth sharing. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, planning a backyard gathering, or just craving something that balances healthy and delicious, this citrus-glazed chicken delivers every time.

Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe: Ingredients You’ll Need

The Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe starts with quality ingredients that work together to create layers of flavor. Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this dish to life:

For the chicken and marinade:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice and zest of 2 oranges
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• Juice and zest of 1 lime
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the citrus glaze:

• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon butter

Don’t have all three citrus fruits? No problem! You can use just oranges or a mix of whatever citrus you have on hand. For a dairy-free option, swap the butter in the glaze with coconut oil. If you’re watching your sugar intake, replace the honey with a low-carb sweetener like monk fruit.

Timing for Perfect Grilled Citrus Chicken

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Marinating time: 2 hours (minimum) to overnight (for best results)
• Cook time: 12-15 minutes
• Total time: 2.5 hours (including minimum marinating time)

This grilled citrus chicken comes together significantly faster than most marinaded meat recipes, which often require 24 hours for flavor development. The citrus acids in this marinade work quickly to tenderize and flavor the chicken, making it perfect for those “forgot to plan dinner” moments when you still have a couple of hours to spare.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze

1. Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, orange juice and zest, lemon juice and zest, lime juice and zest, minced garlic, honey, dried oregano, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.

Pro tip: Zest your citrus fruits before juicing them – it’s much easier this way!

2. Marinate the Chicken

Place chicken breasts in a ziplock bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

Warning: Don’t marinate for longer than 24 hours, as the citrus can start to break down the chicken too much, affecting the texture.

3. Prepare the Grill

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F). Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.

4. Make the Citrus Glaze

While the grill heats up, prepare your glaze. In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, honey, and soy sauce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted. Set aside.

5. Grill the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the remaining liquid. Place chicken on the preheated grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Pro tip: For those beautiful grill marks, don’t move the chicken around once you’ve placed it on the grill. Let it cook undisturbed for at least 5 minutes before flipping.

6. Apply the Glaze

During the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush the citrus glaze on both sides of the chicken, allowing it to caramelize slightly.

7. Rest and Serve

Transfer the grilled citrus chicken to a clean plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the chicken just before serving.

Nutritional Information for Grilled Citrus Chicken

Per serving (1 chicken breast with glaze):

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 15g
• Vitamin C: 80% of daily value

This grilled citrus chicken is packed with lean protein and vitamin C from all the citrus fruits. The natural sugars from honey and citrus create a caramelized exterior while keeping the added sugar relatively low compared to bottled marinades or glazes.

Equipment Needed for Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe

To make this grilled citrus chicken recipe successfully, you’ll need:

• Grill (gas, charcoal, or even an indoor grill pan works)
• Mixing bowls
• Citrus zester or microplane
• Citrus juicer (optional but helpful)
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Small saucepan
• Whisk
• Basting brush
• Meat thermometer
• Tongs
• Cutting board and knife

Don’t have a grill? No worries! You can make this recipe in an oven by baking the chicken at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes, brushing with the glaze during the last 5 minutes of cooking. For more kitchen essentials, check out HarmonyMeal’s guide to essential kitchen tools.

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe

This grilled citrus chicken has become a reader favorite for good reasons:

• Versatile for any season: While it feels like summer on a plate, the ingredients are available year-round
• Meal-prep friendly: Make extra and use it in salads, wraps, or grain bowls throughout the week
• Family-approved: The sweet-tangy flavor profile appeals to both adults and kids
• Budget-conscious: Chicken breasts are affordable, and the remaining ingredients are likely already in your pantry
• Impressive enough for guests: Looks and tastes like restaurant-quality food with minimal effort

My neighbor Sarah, who claims she “can’t cook to save her life,” made this for a dinner party and received rave reviews. If Sarah can do it, trust me – you’ve got this!

Healthier Alternatives for the Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe

Looking to adjust this grilled citrus chicken recipe to fit specific dietary needs? Here are some smart swaps:

• Lower-carb version: Replace the honey with monk fruit sweetener or allulose in both the marinade and glaze
• Gluten-free option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce
• Dairy-free adaptation: Substitute coconut oil for butter in the glaze
• Lower sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the added salt
• Higher protein: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for slightly higher protein content (plus they’re more forgiving on the grill)

For a completely plant-based version, you might enjoy our HarmonyMeal’s Grilled Citrus Tofu recipe that uses similar flavors but with plant protein.

Serving Suggestions for Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze

This grilled citrus chicken pairs beautifully with so many sides. Here are my favorite combinations:

• Serve over cilantro-lime rice with sliced avocado for a fresh, California-inspired meal
• Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette for a light lunch
• Add to warm tortillas with mango salsa and cabbage slaw for quick citrus chicken tacos
• Serve alongside grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus for a complete grilled feast
• For a Mediterranean twist, serve with a side of couscous, cucumber, and feta salad

During winter months, I love serving this with roasted sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts for a cozy but bright dinner that reminds us warmer days are coming.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Grilled Citrus Chicken

Even experienced cooks can trip up with grilled chicken. Here’s how to avoid the most common pitfalls with this grilled citrus chicken recipe:

• Skipping the marinating time: The citrus flavors need time to penetrate the meat. Even if you only have 30 minutes, it’s better than nothing.
• Cooking cold chicken: Always let your chicken come to room temperature (about 20 minutes) before grilling. Cold chicken leads to uneven cooking.
• Overcooking the chicken: Use a meat thermometer! Chicken breasts are perfectly cooked at 165°F. Going much higher dries them out quickly.
• Adding the glaze too early: If you brush on the glaze too soon, the sugars will burn before the chicken cooks through. Save it for the final few minutes.
• Not letting the chicken rest: Those 5 minutes of resting after cooking make all the difference between juicy chicken and dry chicken.

Storing Tips for the Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe

Made too much of this delicious grilled citrus chicken? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep it at its best:

• Refrigerator storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer method: Wrap individual portions in foil, then place in freezer bags. Label with the date and use within 2 months.
• Reheating for juiciness: To prevent drying out when reheating, add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to the container, cover loosely, and heat at 50% power in the microwave. Alternatively, reheat in a 300°F oven, covered with foil.
• Meal prep ideas: Slice and store portions with separate containers of cooked rice and vegetables for grab-and-go lunches.

For more food storage tips, visit HarmonyMeal’s guide to reducing food waste.

Conclusion: Why This Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Rotation

This grilled citrus chicken with glaze recipe hits all the marks – it’s bright, flavorful, adaptable, and straightforward. Whether you’re firing up the grill on a warm summer evening or using a grill pan to bring some sunshine to a winter dinner, this recipe delivers reliable results with minimal fuss.

What I love most about this dish is how it introduces simple techniques that build confidence in the kitchen. Marinating, making a quick glaze, properly grilling chicken – these skills transfer to countless other recipes. Plus, the variations are endless. Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to experiment with different citrus combinations or additional herbs.

Have you tried this grilled citrus chicken recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below or tag @HarmonyMeal in your social media posts. And if you’re looking for more grilling inspiration, check out our collection of healthy grilled recipes.

FAQs About Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe

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