Grilled Citrus Chicken Recipe with Citrus Glaze Recipe

If you love bright, summery flavors and crave juicy, char-grilled chicken, this is your new go-to: my Grilled Citrus Chicken Recipe with Citrus Glaze. Each bite is a mouthful of sunshine, thanks to a punchy citrus marinade and an irresistibly sticky-sweet glaze that brings the grill to life. This dish is easy enough for a weeknight but dazzling enough for your weekend barbecue bash.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Grilled Citrus Chicken Recipe with Citrus Glaze comes together with basic, fresh ingredients that deliver big results. Every component has its own special job: the citrus brightens, the aromatics add depth, and the simple pantry staples round out the flavor.

• Chicken Breasts (1½ – 2 pounds): Boneless and skinless; pounding or butterflying ensures faster, even grilling.
• Fresh Orange Juice & Zest (1 cup juice + 1 tbsp zest): Provides the main citrus sweetness and gentle acidity.
• Lemon (juice + zest from 1 large lemon): Adds brightness and a touch of tang that cuts through the richness.
• Limes (juice + zest from 2 large limes): Gives the marinade its signature zippy, tropical punch.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): For savory depth and that irresistible aroma when grilled.
• Shallots (2, minced): Brings gentle sweetness and a nice mellow background note.
• Olive Oil (½ cup): Helps carry all that citrus flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.
• Brown Sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds caramel notes and helps the glaze stick and caramelize on the grill.
• Salt & Pepper (½ teaspoon each): Simple seasoning to enhance every layer of flavor.
• Fresh Rosemary (1 tablespoon): Earthy, piney, and utterly perfect with citrus.
• Dried Parsley (1 tablespoon): For color and subtle herbal flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes (1 teaspoon): For just a hint of heat and depth—use more or less to taste.
• Honey (2 tablespoons, for glaze): Adds sweetness and helps the glaze thicken beautifully.

Variations

A recipe like this is perfect for tweaking based on what you love or have on hand. Whether you need to adjust for dietary preferences or just want to play with flavor, the Grilled Citrus Chicken Recipe with Citrus Glaze is endlessly adaptable.

• Swap the Protein: Try boneless thighs for extra juiciness, or use the marinade with pork tenderloin, shrimp, or tofu for a twist.
• Make it Spicier or Milder: Amp up the red pepper flakes for more heat, or leave them out entirely for a kid-friendly version.
• Herb It Up: Use fresh basil or cilantro instead of rosemary or parsley for a greener, more summery profile.
• Low Sugar Option: Replace brown sugar and honey with maple syrup, agave, or your favorite sugar substitute to adjust sweetness while keeping those sticky, craveable edges.

How to Make Grilled Citrus Chicken Recipe with Citrus Glaze

Step 1: Make the Citrus Marinade

Zest and juice your oranges, lemon, and limes directly into a large mixing bowl—getting all the bright oils from the zest is key. Add in the minced garlic and shallots, pour in the olive oil, stir in the brown sugar, salt, pepper, rosemary, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until everything is well combined and gloriously fragrant.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

For perfectly even cooking, lightly pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness or butterfly them in half. Place the chicken in a large zip-top bag or shallow casserole and pour in HALF of your bright, citrusy marinade (reserve the rest for your glaze!). Turn the chicken to coat well and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the fridge.

Step 3: Make the Citrus Glaze

When you’re nearly ready to grill, pour the reserved marinade (not used for chicken!) into a small saucepan. Add the honey, bring it to a gentle simmer, and let it reduce over low heat for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and syrupy. Let it cool off the heat—it will thicken even more and get extra glossy for brushing and drizzling.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the chicken on hot grates and grill 6–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165˚F in the thickest part. For an extra flavor bomb, brush the chicken with some of your citrus glaze in the final minute or two of grilling to let it caramelize and char just a bit.

Step 5: Rest, Slice, and Serve

Once grilled to juicy perfection, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. This seals in the juices. Slice, brush with more glaze, sprinkle with a bit of fresh zest or herbs, and serve right away—your Grilled Citrus Chicken Recipe with Citrus Glaze is ready to steal the show!

How to Serve Grilled Citrus Chicken Recipe with Citrus Glaze

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or rosemary, a scattering of colorful citrus zest, and maybe even a few thinly sliced rounds of lemon or lime really bring the whole dish to life. The visual pop and fragrance are irresistible!

Side Dishes

Pair your Grilled Citrus Chicken Recipe with Citrus Glaze with simple sides like fluffy white rice, herbed couscous, or roasted baby potatoes to soak up any extra glaze. A fresh green salad with avocado or a crisp slaw also balances the sweet-tart flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

This chicken is gorgeous sliced and fanned over a big platter with citrus wheels for color, or served whole with a rainbow of grilled veggies on the side. For a casual vibe, tuck slices into warm flatbreads with greens and a drizzle of extra glaze for the ultimate summery wrap.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Grilled Citrus Chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store the extra glaze separately and add just before reheating or serving to keep the chicken moist and vibrant.

Freezing

Freeze cooked (and cooled) chicken in freezer bags or airtight containers for up to two months. Label it well! Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture. The glaze can also be frozen on its own in a small jar or zip-top bag.

Reheating

For the juiciest results, reheat chicken gently in a covered skillet or in the oven at 325°F, adding a spoonful of glaze (or even a splash of citrus juice) to keep it moist. Microwaving is quick but can dry it out a bit—cover and heat in short bursts.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to create your own Grilled Citrus Chicken Recipe with Citrus Glaze at home—it truly brings a burst of vibrant flavor and happy, sunny energy to any table. Let this dish become your new family favorite, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for the recipe!

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