Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe

There’s something magical about the sizzle of chicken hitting a hot grill on a summer evening—the smoky aroma, the promise of a meal shared with friends, the feeling of sunshine lingering in the air. For me, that magic is perfected with this Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe. It’s the dish I turn to when I want to impress without stress, when I crave something that tastes both vibrant and comforting. The combination of zesty lemon and sweet orange, caramelized into a sticky, glossy glaze, transforms simple chicken into a centerpiece worthy of any backyard gathering. Whether you’re a grilling novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe is designed to build your confidence and deliver incredible flavor every time. It’s the ultimate summer BBQ hero, and once you try it, I have a feeling it’ll become a regular in your rotation, too.

Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe Ingredients

This Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe comes together with a handful of fresh, simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken & Marinade:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Citrus Glaze:

• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons honey (or agave syrup for a vegan option)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)

Smart Substitutions:

• Sweetener: Maple syrup or brown sugar can stand in for honey.
• Acid: Lime juice works beautifully in place of lemon for a different zesty twist.
• Protein: This marinade and glaze are fantastic on chicken thighs or even pork chops.

Grilled Citrus Chicken Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes to 4 hours for marinating)
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: About 25 minutes (not including marinating)

This recipe is about 30% faster than many marinated grilled chicken dishes because the glaze comes together quickly while the chicken cooks.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Grilled Citrus Chicken

Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked, flavor-packed chicken every time.

1. 
   

   Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine the orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor. This is the secret to incredibly tender and juicy meat, much like the principles in my go-to grilled chicken marinade.

   
   
2. 
   

   Prepare the Glaze: While the chicken is marinating, make the citrus glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lemon juice, honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and continue to cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.

   
   
3. 
   

   Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the used marinade. Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

   
   
4. 
   

   Apply the Glaze: During the last 2-3 minutes of grilling, generously brush the top of the chicken with the prepared citrus glaze. Flip the chicken, glaze the other side, and cook for another minute or two until the glaze is sticky and caramelized. Be careful, as the sugar in the glaze can cause flare-ups.

   
   
5. 
   

   Rest and Serve: Transfer the grilled citrus chicken to a clean plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist. Drizzle with any remaining glaze before serving.

   
   

Grilled Citrus Chicken Nutritional Information

(Per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: ~285
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 8g

This dish is an excellent source of lean protein. The citrus juices provide a boost of Vitamin C, while the honey offers natural antioxidants.

Equipment Needed for Grilled Citrus Chicken

You don’t need any fancy tools for this recipe. The basics will do perfectly:

• A grill (gas or charcoal) or grill pan
• A small saucepan for the glaze
• A whisk
• A basting brush
• A zip-top bag or bowl for marinating

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe

1. Explosion of Flavor: The sweet and tangy glaze perfectly balances the smoky char from the grill.
2. Surprisingly Easy: It looks and tastes gourmet but is straightforward enough for a weeknight dinner.
3. Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is a guaranteed hit with both adults and kids.
4. Versatile: It pairs wonderfully with almost any side dish, from a simple green salad to grilled vegetables.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

This recipe is already quite healthy, but you can make a few simple tweaks:

• Lower Sugar: Replace the honey with a sugar-free maple syrup or simply omit it for a more tangy, less sweet glaze.
• Reduced Sodium: Use a low-sodium soy sauce or tamari.
• Extra Lean: Use chicken breast tenderloins for even quicker cooking and a lower fat content.

Serving Suggestions for Grilled Citrus Chicken

This chicken is the star of the show, but it needs a great supporting cast! Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

• Over Grains: Serve on a bed of fluffy quinoa, cilantro-lime rice, or couscous to soak up the extra glaze.
• With Summer Sides: Pair with a crisp arugula salad, grilled corn on the cob, or grilled vegetable kabobs.
• Taco Night: Slice the chicken and use it as a filling for tacos with fresh salsa and avocado.
• Salad Topper: Chop it up and add it to a large garden salad for a protein-packed lunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping the Marinade Time: Even 30 minutes makes a world of difference in flavor and tenderness. Don’t rush this step.
2. Applying the Glaze Too Early: If you brush the sugary glaze on at the beginning, it will burn before the chicken is cooked through. Always save it for the last few minutes.
3. Overcooking the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer! Chicken breast is done at 165°F (74°C). Overcooking is the primary cause of dry, tough chicken.
4. Not Letting the Chicken Rest: Those 5 minutes of rest are non-negotiable for juicy results. It gives the muscle fibers time to relax and reabsorb the juices.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

• Refrigeration: Store leftover grilled citrus chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked and cooled chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: For the best texture, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in a 325°F (160°C) oven until warmed through. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the chicken rubbery.

Conclusion

This Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a taste of summer that’s easy to achieve and impossible to forget. The bright, zesty flavors and that irresistible sticky glaze will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s a testament to how a few simple ingredients can create something truly special. If you’re a fan of this flavor profile, you might also love our zesty Fiesta Lime Chicken for another tangy twist.

I truly hope this recipe becomes a new favorite in your home. Let me know how your grilled citrus chicken turns out in the comments below! And don’t forget to tag @Stacksipsnack on Pinterest to show off your beautiful creation. Happy grilling

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