Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this grilled citrus chicken?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully with this marinade and glaze. They're more forgiving on the grill and stay juicier. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly – thighs typically need about 6–8 minutes per side depending on size.

How can I make this grilled citrus chicken if I don't have a grill?

No grill? No problem! You can use a grill pan on the stove over medium-high heat for about 5–7 minutes per side. Alternatively, bake the chicken in a 375°F oven for 25–30 minutes, adding the glaze during the last 5 minutes.

Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?

Yes! The marinade can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This is a great time-saving step for busy weeknights or entertaining.

Is this grilled citrus chicken spicy?

The recipe as written has just a hint of heat from the red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust this by omitting them entirely for no spice, or doubling the amount for a more noticeable kick.

Can I use bottled citrus juice instead of fresh?

While fresh is always best for optimal flavor (especially since you need the zest anyway), you can substitute bottled juice in a pinch. Just be aware that the flavor won't be quite as bright, and you'll miss out on the aromatic oils from the zest.

Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe That Will Transform Dinner Tonight 2025

Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe That Will Transform Dinner Tonight

Print Recipe

This Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze is bright, juicy, and packed with zesty flavor. A quick citrus marinade and sticky-sweet glaze make this recipe feel like summer on a plate—no matter the season.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including marinating)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Grilled
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

- 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 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 (or coconut oil for dairy-free)

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients: olive oil, citrus juices and zest, garlic, honey, oregano, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Place chicken in a zip-top bag or dish and pour marinade over. Refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375–400°F). Clean and oil grates.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, simmer orange juice, honey, and soy sauce. Mix cornstarch with water, then stir into simmering glaze. Cook until thickened. Stir in butter. Set aside.
Grill chicken 5–7 minutes per side until internal temp reaches 165°F. In final 2 minutes, brush with glaze on both sides.
Let chicken rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with extra glaze before serving.

Notes

No grill? Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes, brushing with glaze in final 5 minutes. Chicken thighs work great too—just adjust cooking time. For extra citrus pop, add zest to the glaze as well!

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with glaze
Calories: 320
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: grilled citrus chicken, chicken glaze, healthy grilled chicken, summer chicken recipe, HarmonyMeal

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/grilled-citrus-chicken-with-glaze/