Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe

If there’s a dish that announces summer with every bite, it’s definitely this Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe. Every forkful is packed with bright, zesty flavors—thanks to fresh citrus, sweet honey, and a savory glaze that caramelizes perfectly on the grill. Whether you’re hosting a backyard get-together or just want to spice up your weeknight dinner routine, this recipe promises tender, juicy chicken bathed in a sunshine-glow glaze. It’s the kind of meal that makes your table feel special, but is incredibly easy to pull off.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep it real: incredible food starts with great ingredients, and that’s so true for Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe. Every item here brings something special—fresh citrus juices infuse the chicken with tang, honey balances it with sweetness, and a few pantry staples bring it all together in perfect, mouthwatering harmony.

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Boneless, skinless pieces soak up the marinade quickly, making them juicy and flavorful on the grill.
• Oranges: Fresh juice and zest deliver sweet, citrusy notes, spotlighting the star flavors of this dish.
• Lemons: Lemon juice and zest brighten the marinade, adding a punch of tartness and aroma.
• Limes: The lime juice and zest add a slightly bitter, refreshing lift that balances the other fruits.
• Garlic: Minced garlic gives a warm, savory backbone—honestly, it’s the secret to deeper flavor.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil helps bind all the flavors together and keeps the chicken moist while grilling.
• Honey: A touch in both the marinade and glaze ensures every bite shines with a gentle sweetness.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple, but necessary—season generously for the best results.
• Orange Juice (for glaze): Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the glaze its vivid flavor and color.
• Soy Sauce: Offers umami richness that offsets the bright citrus and elevates the glaze.
• Cornstarch: Just a bit thickens the glaze to glossy perfection.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Sprinkle in some flakes if you crave a playful hint of heat.
• Fresh Herbs: Parsley or cilantro finish the look and boost the freshness—gorgeous and tasty.
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple for the marinade and glaze; prep is so much smoother with the right tools.
• Whisk: The best way to get your marinade and glaze silky-smooth and perfectly blended.
• Grill or Grill Pan: These give your chicken that irresistible char and smoky flavor.
• Tongs: Flip like a pro and keep your fingers safe.
• Basting Brush: An easy way to hug every piece of chicken with glaze.
• Zester: Unlocks the most flavorful oils from your citrus fruits—no skipping this step!

How to Make Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the juice and zest from fresh oranges, lemons, and limes, along with minced garlic, olive oil, honey, and just the right pinch of salt and pepper. The combination will instantly smell irresistible—even before it hits the grill! This citrus-infused marinade is the magic that turns simple chicken into something unforgettable.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour over every last drop of that vibrant marinade. Make sure every piece is coated fully. Pop it in the fridge for at least two hours, though overnight will reward you with chicken bursting with zesty, sunshiny flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Make the Glaze

Pull out a small saucepan and add in orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Give it a good whisk to dissolve the cornstarch completely. Set it over medium heat and stir constantly—after a few minutes, you’ll see it thicken into a glossy, aromatic glaze. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes here if you want to spice things up.

Step 4: Preheat the Grill

Before you start grilling, get your grill or grill pan nice and hot at medium-high. This ensures the chicken will sear fast, locking in all those juices and picking up beautiful charred grill marks. Don’t forget to lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking!

Step 5: Grill the Chicken

Remove your chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Grill each piece for about 6 to 7 minutes per side, until the surface is golden with grill marks and the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C). No poking or prodding—just let it do its thing for maximum juiciness.

Step 6: Glaze and Caramelize

During the last few minutes on the grill, start brushing the chicken generously with your homemade glaze. Flip and brush both sides. The sugars will bubble and caramelize, leaving you with a sticky, glossy, citrus-scented coating that makes this Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe irresistible.

How to Serve Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a little garnish! Top your grilled chicken with a handful of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro and a few extra citrus slices. Not only does it look sun-kissed and vibrant, but the herbs and citrus brighten up the flavors and make every plate look like a showstopper.

Side Dishes

The Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. My favorites? Charred summer veggies, a crisp green salad, or a pile of fluffy steamed rice. Don’t be afraid to experiment—anything that soaks up that extra glaze is fair game!

Creative Ways to Present

Try threading the chicken onto skewers before grilling for party-perfect kebabs, or plate it over a bed of citrusy quinoa to wow your guests. You can also slice the chicken thin and serve it family-style, drizzled with extra glaze and surrounded by juicy roasted citrus halves for a truly festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It actually tastes even more flavorful the next day as the citrus glaze continues to infuse the meat.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken (without the fresh herb garnish) in individual portions. Just be sure to wrap it tightly or use a freezer-safe container for up to two months. When you crave a bit of sunshine, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

The best way to reheat your Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe is gently on the stovetop or in the oven, covered to keep it moist. A splash of orange juice or water helps bring the glaze back to life! Microwave reheating works too, just do it in short bursts so the chicken stays juicy.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken pieces instead of boneless?

Absolutely! Bone-in pieces will need a bit more grilling time but will turn out exceptionally juicy. Just be sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, and watch the glaze so it doesn’t burn.

Is it okay to marinate the chicken longer than overnight?

Marinating overnight is the sweet spot for maximum flavor, but you can stretch it to about 24 hours. After that, the citrus might start to break down the meat a bit too much, so stick within that window for best texture.

How do I know if the glaze is thick enough?

You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon and has a syrupy look. If it’s too runny after 5 minutes, just simmer slightly longer, stirring often, until you reach that perfect sticky consistency.

What if I don’t have a grill or grill pan?

No worries! You can sear the marinated chicken in a hot skillet and finish it in the oven. Brush with glaze right before serving, and you’ll still get delicious results.

Can I make the Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe ahead for a crowd?

Definitely. Marinate and prep the chicken the day before, then do the grilling and glazing just before serving. The chicken holds up great, and you’ll love how the flavors intensify with a little extra time.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor, color, and summer energy, try this Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe. It’s one of those rare recipes that feels both special and effortless, destined to become your go-to for meals that make people smile. Fire up the grill and give it a try—you’ll be hooked after the first bite!

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