If you are searching for a dish that brightens up your meal with vibrant flavors and a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, the Grilled Citrus Chicken with Honey-Orange Glaze Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe takes juicy, tender chicken and infuses it with a lively citrus marinade before grilling it to perfection. The crowning touch is a luscious honey-orange glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill, delivering a glossy, sweet finish that will have everyone reaching for seconds. It’s a refreshing and irresistible summer favorite that’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough for entertaining friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in bringing magic to this dish. The trio of citrus fruits adds layers of brightness and freshness, garlic provides depth, and honey offers that perfect kiss of sweetness, while olive oil keeps everything juicy and luscious.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for a leaner option, both work wonderfully.
- Juice and zest of 2 oranges: Adds a sweet citrus aroma and vibrant flavor that complements the honey glaze.
- Juice and zest of 2 lemons: Brings brightness and a subtle tartness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Juice and zest of 2 limes: Imparts a refreshing zing that lifts the marinade’s complexity.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Adds savory depth and a mild kick that awakens the palate.
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist while adding richness and helps the marinade cling beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons honey (in marinade): Sweetens the citrus medley and begins the glaze flavor journey.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all other flavors.
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (for glaze): Intensifies the glaze with fresh, juicy sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons honey (for glaze): Creates that sticky, irresistible finish.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds umami and depth, balancing the glaze’s sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the glaze to a shiny, luscious consistency.
- Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste): For those who like a gentle spicy kick alongside the sweetness.
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro), chopped, for garnish: Adds a fresh green note and a pop of color for presentation.
- Extra citrus slices: Perfect for garnish and an extra burst of citrus aroma.
How to Make Grilled Citrus Chicken with Honey-Orange Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by combining the juice and zest of your oranges, lemons, and limes in a bowl. Add the minced garlic, olive oil, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, fragrant mixture. This citrus marinade is the heart of the dish, infusing the chicken with bright, zesty notes and a hint of sweetness that sets the tone for what’s to come.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts or thighs into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is completely coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight. This slow marinating allows the flavors to soak in deeply, resulting in tender, flavorful meat.
Step 3: Prepare the Glaze
In a small saucepan, whisk together the fresh orange juice, honey, soy sauce, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Heat over medium heat while stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a shiny glaze, about 5 minutes. This glaze will add a luscious caramelized finish and a rich burst of citrus-sweet umami flavor when brushed on the chicken at the end.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill
Get your grill or grill pan nice and hot to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or surface to ensure your marinated chicken does not stick. A hot grill is key to beautifully searing the chicken and locking in those delicious flavors.
Step 5: Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, then place it on the grill. Cook for about 6 to 7 minutes per side, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and develops attractive golden grill marks. You want it juicy and perfectly charred.
Step 6: Apply the Glaze
During the last few minutes on the grill, brush the thickened honey-orange glaze liberally over both sides of the chicken. Flip once or twice, letting the glaze caramelize and form a glossy, sticky coating that makes this dish so irresistibly good.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once grilled and glazed, transfer the chicken to a platter, garnish with chopped fresh herbs and extra citrus slices to enhance the presentation and aroma. Serve immediately for the best flavor experience.
How to Serve Grilled Citrus Chicken with Honey-Orange Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro add not only a vibrant pop of green but also a fresh, herbaceous contrast to the sweet glaze. Adding citrus slices around the platter adds an inviting look and lets guests squeeze additional juice for extra zing.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Try a crisp grilled vegetable medley to keep the meal light and colorful, or serve alongside fluffy steamed rice that soaks up the glaze. For something heartier, a cool, crunchy salad with a citrus vinaigrette echoes the main flavors delightfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a wow factor, serve the chicken on a bed of mixed greens or a vibrant quinoa salad. Consider skewering the grilled chicken slices for easy serving at a casual gathering or placing them atop warm flatbreads with a drizzle of extra glaze and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a Mediterranean-inspired feast. The possibilities are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the glaze separate if possible and reapply when reheating to maintain that shiny, flavorful coating.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked grilled chicken for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or use a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
The best way to reheat this chicken is to warm it in a skillet over medium heat, brushing with a little of the reserved glaze to keep it moist and shiny. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the texture and flavor at their best.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken for this Grilled Citrus Chicken with Honey-Orange Glaze Recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken can add extra flavor and juiciness, but cooking times will be longer. Make sure to check the internal temperature carefully to ensure it’s cooked through.
What if I don’t have all three citrus fruits?
No worries! You can use just oranges and lemons or any combination you prefer. Each citrus adds unique flavor layers, but the dish will still be delicious with fewer varieties.
Can I make the marinade and glaze ahead of time?
Yes! The marinade can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The glaze is best made fresh but can be made a few hours ahead and gently reheated before use.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe is mild by default, but if you add red pepper flakes to the glaze, you’ll get a gentle kick of heat that complements the sweetness nicely. Feel free to adjust to taste.
What kind of grill works best for this recipe?
Any grill or grill pan works well. Gas, charcoal, or electric grills can all produce great results—just ensure you preheat properly and keep the heat at medium-high for a good sear.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Citrus Chicken with Honey-Orange Glaze Recipe is one of those dishes that instantly brightens any meal with its fresh, balanced flavors and a lovely caramelized finish. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight or a special occasion, this recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken that everyone will love. Give it a try and watch it become a go-to favorite in your kitchen!
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Grilled Citrus Chicken with Honey-Orange Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This vibrant Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze is a flavorful and refreshing dish, featuring tender chicken marinated in a zesty blend of orange, lemon, and lime juices and zest. The chicken is grilled to perfection and finished with a sweet and tangy citrus glaze, making it ideal for a light and delicious meal any time of year.
Ingredients
Chicken and 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
Glaze
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
Garnish
- 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 oranges, lemons, and limes. Add the minced garlic, olive oil, honey, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk the ingredients until they are thoroughly blended into a smooth marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the citrus marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, allowing the flavors to deeply infuse the chicken.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine freshly squeezed orange juice, honey, soy sauce, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes if desired. Whisk well to fully dissolve the cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a smooth, syrupy glaze, approximately 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent the chicken from sticking during cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken pieces from the marinade and allow any excess liquid to drip off. Place chicken on the preheated grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through with a golden, slightly charred exterior.
- Apply the Glaze: During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the thickened citrus glaze generously onto each side of the chicken. Flip the chicken once or twice to allow the glaze to caramelize lightly without burning, enhancing flavor and sheen.
- Serve: Transfer the grilled citrus chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs and additional citrus slices for a colorful presentation. Serve immediately with complementary sides such as grilled vegetables, a crisp salad, or steamed rice.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or broiler can be used as alternatives.
- Adjust red pepper flakes in the glaze to control the level of heat.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is fully cooked for safety and juiciness.
- Extra glaze can be saved to drizzle over sides or to add more flavor when serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
