Description
This Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze recipe features tender chicken breasts or thighs marinated in a vibrant citrus blend of oranges, lemons, and limes, then grilled to perfection and brushed with a sweet and tangy honey-soy glaze. Perfect for a fresh, flavorful meal served with your favorite sides.
Ingredients
For the Citrus Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 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 pepper, to taste
For the Glaze
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
For Garnish
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro), chopped
- Extra citrus slices
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the juice and zest of the oranges, lemons, and limes. Add minced garlic, olive oil, honey, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until everything is well blended and smooth.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the citrus marinade over the chicken, tossing to ensure all pieces are evenly coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and cornstarch (plus red pepper flakes, if using). Whisk well to dissolve the cornstarch completely. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the glaze thickens to a smooth, syrupy consistency, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- Heat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess marinade drip off. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is golden and slightly charred.
- Glaze the Chicken: In the last few minutes of grilling, brush the thickened glaze generously onto each side of the chicken. Flip once or twice to let the glaze caramelize slightly without burning.
- Serve: Transfer the grilled citrus chicken to a platter. Garnish with fresh herbs and extra citrus slices. Serve hot with your favorite sides like grilled vegetables, salad, or steamed rice.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight if possible for maximum flavor.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or broiler can be used as alternatives.
- Adjust red pepper flakes quantity according to your preferred spice level or omit for no heat.
- Make sure to oil the grill grates well to prevent sticking and tearing of the chicken.
- The glaze can be made ahead and reheated gently before brushing on the chicken.