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grilled-citrus-chicken-with-glaze-recipe

Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze

Juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated in fresh citrus and finished with a sticky honey glaze. Bold flavor, simple ingredients, perfect for weeknights or summer cookouts.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Marinate Time 30 minutes
Total Time 54 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs chicken breasts pounded or butterflied for even thickness
  • 1 cup fresh orange juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 1 large lemon juice and zest
  • 2 large limes juice and zest
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 shallots minced
  • 0.5 cup olive oil extra virgin
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary
  • 1 tbsp dried parsley
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 2 tbsp honey for the glaze, combined with reserved half of marinade

Equipment

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Small saucepan
  • Basting brush
  • Meat thermometer
  • Citrus zester
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Zest and juice your oranges, lemon, and limes into a large mixing bowl. Add minced garlic, shallots, olive oil, brown sugar, salt, pepper, rosemary, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until fully combined.
  2. Divide the marinade in half. Set one half aside in a small bowl or jar to use as your glaze base later.
  3. Lightly pound chicken breasts to an even thickness or butterfly them in half. Place into the first half of the marinade and coat well.
  4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and no longer than 4 hours. Do not over-marinate or the acid will break down the chicken texture.
  5. Pour the reserved marinade half into a small saucepan with 2 tbsp honey. Stir and bring to a low simmer over medium-low heat. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until thickened and glossy. Remove from heat and let cool.
  6. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush grates lightly with oil.
  7. Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill for 6 to 7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F at the thickest part.
  8. During the last 1 to 2 minutes of grilling, brush the glaze over each piece. Flip once to coat both sides and allow the glaze to caramelize.
  9. Transfer chicken to a plate and rest for 3 to 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Do not marinate longer than 4 hours or the citrus acid will break down the chicken. If not making the glaze, you can halve the marinade recipe. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days and taste great in grain bowls or wraps.