Get ready to fall in love with this vibrant and mouthwatering Citrus BBQ Grilled Chicken Recipe that will elevate your grilling game to new heights. Juicy, tender chicken breasts marinated in a zesty blend of orange and lime juices with a hint of garlic and chicken bouillon create a flavor explosion that is perfectly balanced by a smoky slather of BBQ sauce. This dish is ideal for warm weather cookouts or whenever you’re craving something bright, tangy, and irresistibly saucy. Every bite delivers a beautiful harmony of citrus brightness and smoky sweetness that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients, this recipe comes together effortlessly to create an unforgettable meal. Each element adds its own character—citrus juices lending brightness, chicken bouillon deepening the savory notes, and BBQ sauce bringing that classic smoky finish.
- ½ cup orange juice: Provides natural sweetness and a juicy base for the marinade.
- 1 tsp minced garlic: Adds aromatic pungency that complements the citrus perfectly.
- ¼ cup lime juice: Brings tangy zing to brighten up the flavor profile.
- 1 Tbsp Knorr chicken bouillon: Enhances savory depth and seasoning throughout the chicken.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The lean proteins that soak up the marinade and grill to juicy perfection.
- ⅓ cup BBQ sauce: A smoky, sticky glaze to finish the grilled chicken with classic flavor.
How to Make Citrus BBQ Grilled Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken breasts into a large gallon ziplock freezer bag. In a separate bowl, whisk together orange juice, minced garlic, lime juice, and chicken bouillon until fully combined. Pour this fragrant marinade over the chicken in the bag, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight to let the flavors really soak in and tenderize the meat beautifully.
Step 2: Preheat Your Grill
When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This temperature gives you a nice sear on the outside of the chicken while keeping the inside juicy. Removing the chicken from the cold marinade allows it to cook evenly without steaming.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts directly on the grill grates. Grill until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF, approximately 6-8 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remember to turn only once for those beautiful grill marks and juiciness locked inside.
Step 4: Brush with BBQ Sauce
About two minutes before the chicken is finished, generously brush both sides with BBQ sauce. Let it caramelize slightly, creating a sticky, flavorful crust that plays off the citrus marinade perfectly. Then, remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes to retain all those mouthwatering juices.
How to Serve Citrus BBQ Grilled Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of color and freshness, garnish the chicken with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley. Thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds also add visual appeal and a lovely crunch. A few orange or lime wedges on the side allow everyone to add a little extra citrus punch if desired.
Side Dishes
This Citrus BBQ Grilled Chicken Recipe shines when paired with simple, vibrant sides. Think grilled corn on the cob, a crisp mixed green salad, or a tangy slaw to complement the smoky-sweet flavors. For heartier fare, creamy mashed potatoes or a fluffy rice pilaf fit perfectly alongside the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the grilled chicken sliced thinly over a bed of quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes and avocado for a fresh, healthy bowl. Alternatively, pile it onto toasted ciabatta with crisp lettuce, pickled red onions, and a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce for a flavor-packed sandwich. These presentation ideas are sure to impress family and friends!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Citrus BBQ Grilled Chicken Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as the chicken rests, making it a great option for subsequent meals or quick lunch additions.
Freezing
If you have more chicken than you can eat, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Properly stored, the chicken will maintain quality for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that freezing may slightly change the texture, but the bright citrus flavor will still shine through.
Reheating
Reheat leftover grilled chicken gently to avoid drying it out. Warm it in the oven at 325ºF wrapped in foil or microwave covered with a damp paper towel for short intervals. Adding a splash of orange juice or a little extra BBQ sauce during reheating can help refresh the juiciness and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative that tends to stay even juicier and more flavorful when grilled. Just adjust cooking times accordingly since thighs may need a few extra minutes on the grill.
How long should I marinate the chicken for best results?
For the most vibrant flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight. This allows the citrus and garlic to deeply infuse the meat while tenderizing it beautifully.
Can I make this recipe without a grill?
If you don’t have access to a grill, you can use a grill pan on the stove or broil the chicken in the oven. Just keep a close eye to avoid burning the BBQ sauce glaze.
Is the BBQ sauce necessary?
While the BBQ sauce adds a smoky-sweet finish that truly elevates the dish, you can omit it or substitute with your favorite glaze if preferred. However, the combination of citrus marinade with BBQ sauce is what makes this recipe special.
Can I prepare this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! The Citrus BBQ Grilled Chicken Recipe scales up easily. Just multiply the marinade ingredients and chicken servings as needed, and use multiple grill zones or batches to cook everything evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Citrus BBQ Grilled Chicken Recipe is a shining example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create an extraordinary dish bursting with fresh, tangy, and smoky flavors. Whether you’re grilling for family or entertaining friends, this recipe is sure to become a favorite that brings smiles and satisfied appetites. Don’t wait to experience the joy of juicy citrus-kissed chicken dripping with BBQ goodness—fire up that grill and dig in!
Print
Citrus BBQ Grilled Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This vibrant Citrus BBQ Grilled Chicken recipe combines zesty orange and lime juices with savory garlic and chicken bouillon to create a flavorful marinade that tenderizes the chicken perfectly. Finished off with a brush of smoky BBQ sauce on the grill, this dish offers a juicy, tangy, and smoky experience that’s simple yet delicious—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend cookout.
Ingredients
Marinade
- ½ cup orange juice
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 1 Tbsp Knorr chicken bouillon
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ⅓ cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Place the 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts into a gallon-sized ziplock freezer bag, ensuring there is enough space for the marinade to coat the chicken evenly.
- Make the marinade: In a separate bowl, whisk together ½ cup orange juice, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, ¼ cup lime juice, and 1 tablespoon Knorr chicken bouillon until fully combined to create a flavorful citrus marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Pour the marinade over the chicken breasts inside the ziplock bag, seal tightly, and refrigerate for a minimum of a few hours or up to overnight to allow the flavors to infuse and the chicken to tenderize.
- Preheat and grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, discarding the excess marinade, and place them on the hot grill grates.
- Cook the chicken: Grill the chicken breasts until they reach an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC), usually about 6-7 minutes per side depending on thickness, flipping midway to ensure even cooking.
- Apply BBQ sauce: A few minutes before the chicken is done, brush both sides generously with ⅓ cup of BBQ sauce, allowing it to caramelize and add a smoky, tangy finish.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill once fully cooked and sauced, then let it rest for a few minutes before serving to keep it juicy.
Notes
- You can marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor or a minimum of 2 hours if short on time.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165ºF.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or bake it in the oven.
- For extra smoky flavor, consider using hickory or mesquite wood chips on your grill.
- Serve with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
