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
Scale
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
