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Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe

Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe

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4.9 from 76 reviews

Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze is a fresh and flavorful main-course featuring juicy chicken breasts or thighs marinated in a vibrant blend of orange, lemon, and lime juices and zest, then cooked to perfection on the grill. Finished with a sweet-tangy citrus glaze, this dish is both zesty and savory, making it an ideal centerpiece for summer dinners or weeknight meals.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Citrus Marinade

  • 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 black pepper, to taste

Citrus Glaze

  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

To Serve and Garnish

  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
  • Citrus slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the juice and zest of 2 oranges, 2 lemons, and 2 limes with 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons honey, and salt and pepper to taste. Make sure all ingredients are well combined for an even flavor base.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is ideal for maximum flavor).
  3. Prepare the Citrus Glaze: In a small saucepan, mix 1/2 cup orange juice, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the glaze thickens, approximately 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Brush with a little oil, if necessary, to prevent sticking.
  5. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess liquid drip off. Grill the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until nicely charred and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  6. Glaze the Chicken: In the final minutes of grilling, brush the thickened citrus glaze onto both sides of the chicken. Allow it to caramelize slightly, turning as needed to avoid burning.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter, garnish with fresh chopped herbs and citrus slices, and serve hot. This dish pairs well with grilled vegetables, a green salad, or steamed rice.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper, more pronounced citrus flavors.
  • Don’t overcrowd the grill—leave space between chicken pieces for even cooking and beautiful grill marks.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F without drying out.
  • You can double the glaze and serve extra on the side for dipping.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 2 hours marinating time)
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast or thigh with glaze
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg