If you’re seeking a dish that bursts with bright, sunny flavors and comes together with minimal fuss, the Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This recipe combines juicy chicken breasts and a medley of citrus juices with hints of honey, soy, ginger, and paprika, all finished on the grill for a caramelized, irresistibly tangy glaze. It’s the kind of meal you’ll crave all summer long—and with its simple prep and zesty payoff, you’ll find every excuse to make it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe lies in just a handful of kitchen staples. Each ingredient brings its own punch of flavor, color, or texture, making every bite sing with freshness and depth. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts soak up the marinade and stay wonderfully juicy on the grill.
- Orange Juice: Adds natural sweetness and a subtle floral note that brightens the entire dish.
- Lemon Juice: Brings zippy acidity, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the chicken’s flavor.
- Lime Juice: Gives a tangy kick and a slight tropical feel, perfect for summer grilling.
- Olive Oil: Helps the marinade cling to the chicken and keeps everything moist during grilling.
- Honey: Adds a gentle sweetness and helps create that gorgeous sticky glaze.
- Soy Sauce: A splash of umami depth that rounds out the bright citrus notes.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the marinade with savory warmth.
- Fresh Ginger (grated): Lends a peppery, aromatic zing that lifts the flavors.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together and seasoning the chicken just right.
- Black Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and earthiness.
- Smoked Paprika: Gives a hint of smokiness and a beautiful color to the glaze.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley or Cilantro (optional): A sprinkle of green right before serving for freshness and visual appeal.
How to Make Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Up the Citrus Marinade
Start by grabbing a small bowl and adding all your marinade ingredients: orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, olive oil, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Whisk everything together vigorously—the aroma itself will have you dreaming of summer barbecues! Don’t forget to set aside 1/4 cup of this golden liquid to use later as the luscious glaze.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or a shallow dish, then pour the remaining marinade over them. Seal or cover, ensuring each piece is well coated. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or let it marinate for up to 4 hours if you want to amp up the flavor. The longer it rests, the deeper the citrus and spice will infuse the chicken.
Step 3: Fire Up the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. This step is key for those beautiful grill marks and that irresistible hint of char. Take the chicken out of the marinade, letting any excess drip off (discard the used marinade), and get ready to grill.
Step 4: Grill and Glaze
Place the marinated chicken breasts on the hot grill. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F and the juices run clear. In the final few minutes, brush that reserved marinade over the chicken to create a glistening, sweet-savory glaze. If you love your glaze extra sticky, you can simmer the reserved marinade briefly in a small saucepan to thicken it before brushing.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes—this ensures every bite stays juicy. Slice, sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro if you like, and serve your Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe while it’s still warm and fragrant.
How to Serve Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
A final flourish of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro adds both color and a pop of freshness that echoes the vibrant flavors in the chicken. For extra visual appeal, try a few thin slices of citrus or a dusting of smoked paprika on top.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, grilled vegetables, or a crisp green salad. The citrus glaze makes even simple sides taste like something special—think herbed couscous, roasted potatoes, or even a chilled quinoa salad for a healthy touch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style platter, slice the grilled chicken and fan it out over a bed of greens, then drizzle with any extra glaze. Or serve individual portions atop a citrusy rice pilaf, garnished with lime wedges for squeezing. If you want to wow a crowd, skewer the marinated chicken pieces and grill as kebabs—the glaze caramelizes beautifully on smaller bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The vibrant flavors mellow slightly but remain deeply satisfying, making leftovers perfect for salads, wraps, or grain bowls.
Freezing
If you want to stock up, freeze the cooked chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep its flavor for up to 2 months—just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra citrus juice to keep it moist. You can also microwave it in short bursts, but keep an eye out to prevent drying. If you’ve saved some glaze, brush it on just before serving to refresh the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are just as delicious and stay extra juicy on the grill. Simply adjust the cooking time as they may need a few more minutes per side.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for the full 4 hours?
Even a 30-minute marinade will infuse plenty of flavor, but if you have the time, letting the chicken soak for longer helps develop even more depth and tenderness.
Can I make the Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe indoors?
Definitely! A grill pan or even a broiler works well if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill. You’ll still get gorgeous caramelization and that signature citrusy glaze.
What’s the best way to thicken the glaze?
For a thicker, stickier glaze, simply simmer the reserved marinade in a small saucepan over medium heat for a few minutes until it reduces and becomes syrupy. This step intensifies the flavor and gives the chicken a beautiful shine.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, this Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe is completely gluten-free and perfect for sharing with anyone sensitive to gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe is one of those rare gems that’s both incredibly easy and endlessly impressive. The sweet, tangy, and savory flavors are guaranteed to win over friends and family at any gathering. Give it a try and let your grill do the magic—your taste buds will thank you!
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Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze is a vibrant and flavorful main course perfect for summer grilling. Marinated in a tangy blend of orange, lemon, and lime juices with honey and spices, the chicken is juicy and tender with a deliciously sweet and smoky glaze. Easy to prepare and ideal served with rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade & Glaze
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, olive oil, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Reserve 1/4 cup of this mixture to use later as a glaze.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the remaining marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade and place on the grill. Cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Glaze the Chicken: During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the reserved marinade over the chicken to create a flavorful glaze.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Slice if desired, garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro, and serve.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- This chicken pairs wonderfully with rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.
- The reserved glaze can be simmered briefly to thicken before brushing on the chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
