If you have a hankering for something fresh, zesty, and packed with bright flavors, you are going to love this Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe. Imagine juicy chicken infused with the vibrant tang of oranges, lemons, and limes, perfectly charred on the grill and finished with a sweet, sticky glaze that has just a hint of heat. It’s a dish that delivers a beautiful balance of citrus zing and honeyed richness, making every bite irresistible and ideal for warm-weather dinners or anytime you want a meal that feels both light and indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe calls for straightforward, fresh ingredients that work together to build layers of flavor and color. Each component plays an important role in creating a marinade that tenderizes and brightens the chicken, as well as a glaze that adds sweetness and a glossy finish.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose boneless and skinless for easy grilling and seasoning absorption.
- Oranges, lemons, and limes (juice and zest): A trio of citrus fruits bring acidity, brightness, and a pop of color.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Adds savory depth to balance the citrus.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Helps meld flavors and keeps the chicken moist on the grill.
- Honey: Sweetens the marinade and the glaze for that perfect caramelized crust.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the other ingredients.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice: The base for the glaze, creating a glossy finish.
- Soy sauce: Introduces umami richness and a slight salty contrast.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the glaze to a luscious, sticky consistency.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle kick to the glaze for those who love a little heat.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro: Bright green garnish that brings freshness and visual appeal.
- Extra citrus slices: Perfect for decorating your platter with an inviting pop of color.
How to Make Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the juice and zest of your oranges, lemons, and limes in a bowl. Add minced garlic, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper then mix until smooth. This lively combination will infuse the chicken with a vibrant citrus flavor and a touch of sweetness, infusing each bite with juicy zing.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts or thighs in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the citrus marinade over them. Toss everything together so the chicken is evenly coated. Seal it up and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or better yet, overnight. This step ensures the chicken is tender, flavorful, and ready to impress once it hits the grill.
Step 3: Prepare the Glaze
While the chicken marinates, whisk together orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Add red pepper flakes if you want some subtle heat. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the glaze thickens into a shiny, syrupy texture. This glaze is going to be your secret weapon for a gorgeous, sticky coating on the grilled chicken.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill
Get your grill or grill pan nice and hot at medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates so the chicken won’t stick, which also helps preserve those beautiful grill marks that make this dish such a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Step 5: Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Grill for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side, until the chicken is cooked through and has those irresistible golden, slightly charred edges. The citrus marinade caramelizes wonderfully, adding layers of flavor.
Step 6: Apply the Glaze
In the final minutes on the grill, brush on a generous coating of the thickened glaze. Flip the chicken once or twice while glazing to let it caramelize but not burn. This sticky finish seals in moisture and creates a delightful contrast between smoky char and sweet citrus glaze.
Step 7: Serve
Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and garnish with freshly chopped herbs and extra slices of citrus. Serve immediately to enjoy the full spectrum of textures and flavors at their freshest.
How to Serve Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro scattered over the top adds a burst of herbal brightness and gorgeous green color that complements the citrus. Extra citrus slices on the side make the presentation pop and visually tell the story of the flavors inside.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, or even steamed jasmine rice to soak up every bit of that luscious glaze. Think balance: fresh, simple sides that let your star chicken shine.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken over a bed of couscous or quinoa mixed with chopped herbs and citrus zest for a colorful, textural experience. You can also slice the grilled chicken and arrange it on a platter with avocado slices and a drizzle of glaze for a light yet satisfying meal perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover grilled citrus chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days and taste great reheated or cold in salads or sandwiches.
Freezing
If you want to keep leftovers longer, freeze the cooked chicken in freezer-safe containers or bags. Properly wrapped, it will maintain quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F until heated through, being careful not to dry it out. Adding a splash of water or extra glaze can help keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually fantastic for this Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe as they tend to be more forgiving on the grill and stay juicy and flavorful. Just adjust grilling time accordingly.
How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?
Marinating for at least 2 hours is great, but if you can plan ahead, overnight marinating will deepen the citrus flavors and tenderize the chicken even more.
Is this recipe suitable for a gas grill as well as charcoal?
Yes, either grill works perfectly. A gas grill offers convenience and control over heat, while charcoal adds that smoky flavor which pairs beautifully with the citrus glaze.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
You sure can! The glaze can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just warm it gently before brushing on the chicken during grilling to get that perfect caramelization.
What if I don’t have all three citrus fruits?
While the mix of orange, lemon, and lime creates a wonderful depth, you can absolutely use just one or two types if needed. The chicken will still turn out tasty, just with a slightly different citrus profile.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe has become one of those dishes I love sharing because it’s so vibrant, simple, and versatile. The combination of fresh citrus, sweet honey glaze, and perfectly grilled chicken always feels like a special treat even on an ordinary day. I hope you give this a try soon—it might just become your new favorite summertime recipe to impress family and friends!
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Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze recipe features juicy boneless chicken breasts or thighs marinated in a vibrant blend of fresh orange, lemon, and lime juices with garlic and honey. The chicken is grilled to perfection, then brushed with a sweet and tangy citrus glaze for a flavorful, caramelized finish. Perfect for a light and refreshing meal served with grilled vegetables or steamed rice.
Ingredients
For the 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
For the Glaze
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
To 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 the oranges, lemons, and limes. Add minced garlic, olive oil, honey, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is well blended and smooth.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the citrus marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to infuse the flavors thoroughly.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan, mix together the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes if using. Whisk well to completely dissolve the cornstarch. Heat the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly for about 5 minutes until the glaze thickens to a smooth, syrupy consistency. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates to prevent the chicken from sticking during cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Place the chicken onto the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken develops a golden, slightly charred exterior.
- Apply the Glaze: In the last few minutes of grilling, generously brush the thickened glaze over both sides of the chicken. Flip one or two times to let the glaze caramelize and develop a slightly sticky finish without burning.
- Serve: Transfer the grilled citrus chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs and extra citrus slices. Serve immediately with your choice of sides such as grilled vegetables, salad, or steamed rice.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the citrus flavors and tenderness.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level or omit for a milder glaze.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or broiler, but be sure to watch closely to avoid burning the glaze.
- Ensure the internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Extra glaze can be served on the side for additional flavor.
