If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings together the smoky taste of the grill with a burst of citrus sweetness, then this Grilled Orange BBQ Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. Juicy chicken breasts get marinated in a luscious blend of fresh orange juice, rich brown sugar, and tangy BBQ sauce, creating an irresistible glaze that caramelizes beautifully over the flames. It’s the kind of dish that instantly brightens up any barbecue or weeknight dinner, striking the perfect balance between sweet, smoky, and savory—guaranteed to be a new favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Grilled Orange BBQ Chicken Recipe is simple but brilliant, relying on just a handful of ingredients that work together to create incredible flavor and a gorgeous glaze. Each component plays an important role, from the zesty orange juice that adds freshness to the brown sugar that brings warmth and depth.
- 1 cup orange juice: Use fresh-squeezed if possible for the brightest, most natural citrus flavor.
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that lovely caramelized crust on the grill.
- 6 tablespoons BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite style to infuse smoky, tangy notes into the marinade.
- 4 to 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Perfectly lean and juicy once grilled, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
How to Make Grilled Orange BBQ Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the orange juice, brown sugar, and BBQ sauce in a bowl until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. This sweet and tangy blend is the heart of your Grilled Orange BBQ Chicken Recipe, where the flavors come together to create that unforgettable glaze.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts in a gallon-sized ziplock bag and pour the marinade over the top. Seal the bag tightly, making sure the chicken is well-coated, and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours. This resting time is key for infusing each bite with vibrant flavor and ensuring juicy, tender results.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and has those beautiful grill marks. The sugars in the marinade will caramelize, giving an amazing smoky-sweet crust.
Step 4: Add Additional BBQ Sauce
If you love an extra glaze, brush both sides of the chicken with additional BBQ sauce during the last minutes on the grill. This step amps up the flavor and adds a sticky, finger-licking finish before serving—a perfect touch for this Grilled Orange BBQ Chicken Recipe.
How to Serve Grilled Orange BBQ Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped cilantro or a sprinkle of sliced green onions add a burst of color and freshness that complements the sweet and smoky chicken beautifully. Thin orange slices or zest can boost the citrus vibe and make the plate pop.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables, a crisp green salad, or creamy mashed potatoes. For a summery BBQ feel, consider serving alongside corn on the cob or a tangy coleslaw to add texture and cool balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Grilled Orange BBQ Chicken Recipe sliced over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa, drizzled with any leftover glaze. Wrapping pieces in warm tortillas with avocado, slaw, and a squeeze of lime creates fantastic BBQ chicken tacos that everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooked, allow the chicken to cool, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for a convenient, flavorful option to reheat for lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
If you want to save some for longer, the cooked chicken freezes well. Wrap each piece tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months without losing much of that grilled flavor magic.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven or microwave to keep the chicken moist. Adding a splash of orange juice or a bit of extra BBQ sauce before heating helps revive the glaze and keeps each bite juicy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative and will be even juicier on the grill. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is fresh orange juice required, or can I use bottled?
Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the best bright taste, but bottled orange juice works fine in a pinch. Just make sure it’s 100% juice without added sugars or preservatives for the best flavor balance.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinating between 2 to 4 hours is ideal to allow the flavors to penetrate without breaking down the chicken too much. You can marinate up to 8 hours if you like, but avoid going longer to keep the texture perfect.
Can I cook this chicken indoors?
Yes! You can grill it on a grill pan or bake it in the oven. Just broil for a few minutes at the end to caramelize the glaze if you’re not using an outdoor grill.
What sides go best with this Grilled Orange BBQ Chicken Recipe?
This chicken shines alongside fresh salads, grilled veggies, or starches like rice and potatoes. Coleslaw and corn on the cob also make excellent classic BBQ companions.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Grilled Orange BBQ Chicken Recipe enough for anyone who loves a flavorful, juicy chicken dish with a sunny twist. It’s quick to prepare, simple to make, and so delicious that it will have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try at your next cookout or weeknight dinner—you’ll be glad you did!
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Grilled Orange BBQ Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Grilled Orange BBQ Chicken recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken marinated in a vibrant mixture of orange juice, brown sugar, and BBQ sauce. Perfectly grilled to smoky, caramelized perfection, it’s a delicious and easy meal that brings a citrusy twist to classic barbecue chicken, ideal for summer gatherings or quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 1 cup orange juice
- 6 Tbsp brown sugar
- 6 Tbsp BBQ sauce
Chicken
- 4 to 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Additional
- Extra BBQ sauce for brushing (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup orange juice, 6 tablespoons brown sugar, and 6 tablespoons BBQ sauce until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place 4 to 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a gallon-sized ziplock bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, seal the bag tightly, removing as much air as possible, and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat and Grill: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and discard the marinade. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Brush with BBQ Sauce: During the last few minutes of grilling, brush both sides of the chicken breasts with additional BBQ sauce for an extra layer of flavor and caramelization. Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Marinating for the full 4 hours maximizes flavor absorption but even 2 hours will result in tasty chicken.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (74°C).
- For added smoky flavor, use charcoal or wood chips if grilling outdoors.
- Consider serving with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- If no grill is available, cooking the chicken on a stovetop grill pan is a good alternative.
- To reduce sugar content, choose a low-sugar BBQ sauce and reduce brown sugar slightly.
