Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe

If you’re looking to impress with a pop of sunshine on your dinner plate, the Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe is for you! Think juicy chicken bursting with fresh orange, lemon, and lime flavors, bathed in a glossy, sweet-tangy glaze that clings to each charred bite. This vibrant dish is a true celebration of sizzling grills, zesty citrus, and the kind of mouthwatering aromas that always seem to draw a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a summer backyard party or just livening up a weeknight meal, the Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe is sure to become your new favorite go-to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients may look simple, but each one is carefully chosen to build big flavors and vibrant color into every bite. The quality and freshness of what you put in will absolutely shine through, making this chicken recipe something people will talk about.

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Boneless, skinless pieces cook evenly and let the marinade fully infuse each bite.
• Oranges: Zest and juice provide the star note—fresh, sweet citrus works magic as both marinade and glaze.
• Lemons: Bring pops of tang and brightness, balancing the sweetness and cutting through richness.
• Limes: Add a unique, floral zing that gives the dish a lively twist.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for depth and allium bite; it’s subtle but essential.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil not only helps the marinade penetrate, but also adds a hint of fruitiness.
• Honey: Key to both marinade and glaze, honey lends natural sweetness and gorgeous caramelization.
• Salt and Pepper: These staples heighten all the flavors—don’t skimp!
• Orange Juice (for Glaze): Freshly squeezed for the brightest, boldest glaze imaginable.
• Soy Sauce: Just a splash for savory depth and extra umami in the glaze.
• Cornstarch: The secret to a thick, glossy glaze that clings just right.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Add a gentle kick if you crave a little heat with your sweet.
• Fresh Herbs: Parsley or cilantro for a finishing touch of color and freshness.

• Mixing Bowls: Essential for whisking up your marinades and glazes.
• Whisk: Helps integrate citrus juices and honey smoothly.
• Grill or Grill Pan: Delivers those irresistible char marks and smoky flavor.
• Tongs: Because flipping chicken safely and efficiently is everything!
• Basting Brush: Makes it easy to slather on the sticky glaze during grilling.
• Zester: Unlocks all the potent oils hiding in the citrus peels.

How to Make Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Citrusy Marinade

This is where all the magic begins! In a good-sized mixing bowl, combine the zest and juice of two oranges, two lemons, and two limes. Add your minced garlic, olive oil, honey, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until the mixture is golden and shiny—smell that sunshine already?

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken breasts or thighs into a resealable bag (or a shallow dish works too). Pour the aromatic marinade over every piece, seal or cover tightly, and pop in the fridge. Give it at least two hours, but for the boldest flavor, let it go overnight. This step infuses every bite of chicken with that dreamy citrus vibe.

Step 3: Make the Sticky Citrus Glaze

Just before grilling, whip up your glaze. In a small saucepan, whisk together freshly squeezed orange juice, honey, a splash of soy sauce, and cornstarch. Cook it over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a shiny, pourable sauce (about five minutes). If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes is your ticket here.

Step 4: Grill to Golden Perfection

Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Lift the chicken from its citrus bath, letting any extra marinade drip away—don’t want flare-ups! Grill each piece for 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until a thermometer in the thickest part reads 165°F. You’ll get those gorgeous grill marks and a slight char that pairs perfectly with citrus.

Step 5: Glaze and Finish

During the final few minutes on the grill, grab your basting brush and paint the chicken with the citrus glaze. Flip, glaze the other side, and let it caramelize so you have a shimmering, sticky finish. Your Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe is now ready to dazzle!

How to Serve Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

A little garnish turns this colorful chicken into a showstopper. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the top for herbaceous lift. Extra slices of fresh citrus not only look stunning but give each serving a burst of color and a squeeze of extra brightness right before eating.

Side Dishes

This Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe meshes beautifully with a crisp green salad, grilled seasonal veggies, or fluffy steamed rice. The citrusy notes love something fresh and light—a cucumber and tomato salad or even a quick couscous on the side completes the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this dish into summer skewers by cutting the chicken into chunks and threading with bell peppers and red onion before grilling. For a dinner party, slice the chicken and fan it over a platter, drizzle with extra glaze, and scatter pomegranate seeds for a jewel-toned pop. Don’t be afraid to let your creativity shine!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the chicken cool, then cover tightly and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, and it’s fantastic the next day for lunch in salads or wraps.

Freezing

Freeze cooled chicken pieces in an airtight, freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. To maintain the glaze’s texture, freeze extra glaze separately, if possible, and add it after reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat chicken in the oven (at 325°F) or in a covered skillet with a tiny splash of broth or water. For best results, brush any reserved glaze over the top during reheating to revive that glossy finish and juicy flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in the Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe?

Absolutely! Both boneless, skinless chicken thighs and breasts work beautifully. Thighs stay extra juicy and absorb citrus flavors really well, making them a fantastic choice.

How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?

A minimum of two hours is good, but if you have the time, marinating overnight really lets all those citrusy and garlicky flavors soak into the chicken. The difference is definitely noticeable, especially if you’re making this Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe ahead for a crowd.

Is the glaze in the Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe spicy?

It depends on whether you add the optional red pepper flakes! The base glaze is sweet from honey and tangy from fresh citrus, but a small pinch of pepper flakes adds just a hint of gentle heat—customize it to taste.

Can I cook this recipe indoors without a grill?

Yes! A grill pan on the stovetop or even your oven’s broiler will mimic outdoor grilling. The important part for the Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe is to get a little char—don’t be afraid of those dark marks for maximum flavor!

What are the best ways to use leftovers?

Leftover chicken shines in wraps, atop salads, or tossed into pasta. Dice and mix with avocado and veggies for a zesty bowl, or serve cold for packed lunches. With that incredible citrus glaze, the options are endless!

Final Thoughts

If you crave bright, bold flavors with minimal fuss, give the Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe a try. It’s crowd-pleasing, versatile, and oh-so-satisfying every single time. Let that grill work its magic—and don’t forget to share your colorful creation with friends and family!

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