If you’re craving a main course that sings with bright, tangy citrus and boasts a golden, glossy finish, Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze is about to become your new go-to favorite. This dish is juicy, flavorful, and strikingly simple, blending the sunny notes of orange and lemon with a touch of sweetness and a savory, umami-rich glaze. Whether you’re lighting up the backyard grill for a summer party or just want to brighten a weeknight dinner, this recipe guarantees chicken that tastes just as beautiful as it looks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients list for Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze might be short, but each plays a starring role in layering flavor, moisture, and that irresistible caramelized color. These basics work hard, so don’t underestimate the magic they create together!

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a lean canvas for all that zesty flavor, staying tender and juicy on the grill.
Salt: Just a touch enhances and brings out all the fresh flavors in the marinade and glaze.
Black pepper: Adds subtle, earthy heat that balances the sweetness of the glaze.
Garlic powder: A hint of savory depth, it soaks into the chicken without burning on the grill.
Paprika: Contributes smoky warmth and a pop of color to the finished chicken.
Olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist during grilling while adding a mild, fruity undertone.
Orange juice: Fresh, citrusy brightness forms the backbone of the glaze and marinade.
Lemon juice: Offers puckery tang and lifts all the other flavors; feel free to swap with lime juice for another citrus twist.
Honey: Natural sweetness helps the glaze cling to the chicken and creates beautiful caramelization.
Soy sauce: Adds depth, saltiness, and a savory backbone to balance the citrus and honey.
Dijon mustard: Sharpens the glaze, giving it just the right amount of zest and complexity.
Cornstarch + water: Makes the glaze thick enough to brush on generously, so it sticks to every bite.

How to Make Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This tiny step helps the spices cling better and gives the exterior that perfect, satisfying grill mark. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, making sure every bit gets coated. Drizzle with olive oil and use your hands to rub all the seasonings and oil in thoroughly—the chicken should glisten with anticipation!

Step 2: Mix Up That Gorgeous Citrus Glaze

While the grill is heating up, combine the orange juice, lemon juice, honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard in a small saucepan. Set it over medium heat and give it a little whisk. Once it starts to simmer, stir in the cornstarch and water mixture. In less than two minutes, you’ll have a glossy, slightly thickened glaze that smells like summer on the stove. Set a small amount aside for serving later.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium heat, aiming for a surface temperature around 375°F. This keeps the chicken tender while letting the glaze caramelize beautifully without burning. If you’ve got a charcoal grill, be sure your coals are mostly ashed over for even heat.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts on the grill grates, smooth side down. Grill for about 6–7 minutes per side, flipping once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. During the final few minutes, brush the chicken with your citrus glaze, then flip and brush the other side as well. The aroma at this stage is incredible—sticky, sweet, tangy, and smoky all at once!

Step 5: Glaze and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked through and gleaming, transfer it to a platter and drizzle with that reserved glaze. Let it rest for a couple minutes; this locks in juices and lets the glaze settle just a bit. Your Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze is ready to steal the show!

How to Serve Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro adds vivid color and a hint of herbaceous freshness. For extra flair, add thinly sliced citrus rounds (think orange or lemon) or a few twists of cracked black pepper right before serving. Even edible flowers make a spectacular table centerpiece!

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs dreamily with roasted veggies, cucumber salads, or a zesty quinoa pilaf. You could even spoon it over a mound of fluffy rice to soak up all that extra citrus glaze, or keep things bright and simple with grilled asparagus or a cool, crisp slaw.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice up the chicken and tuck it into warm pitas with a smear of Greek yogurt, or chop it for a citrusy chicken salad over baby greens. Try serving individual chicken breasts on wooden boards with charred lemon halves for an elevated bistro look. For bite-sized appetizers, skewer cubes of chicken and serve with glaze for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze, store the cooled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Pour any remaining glaze on top to lock in moisture and keep flavors zingy.

Freezing

This chicken freezes surprisingly well! Once cooled, wrap each breast tightly in plastic wrap, then seal in a freezer bag. It’ll stay delicious for up to three months. If possible, freeze the extra glaze separately in a small container and thaw together for maximum flavor.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftover Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze gently. Warm in a covered skillet with a splash of water or in the oven at 300°F until just heated through. Add reserved glaze at the end to refresh that glossy finish and juicy bite!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully with this recipe. They’ll be extra juicy and soak up all the glaze. Just adjust grilling time as needed until they’re cooked through.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken first?

Marinating is optional but highly encouraged if you have 30 minutes to spare. It infuses the chicken with even more citrus flavor and helps keep it super tender. Even a short soak makes a noticeable difference!

Can I make Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze without an outdoor grill?

No grill, no problem! Use a grill pan or cast iron skillet on your stovetop. You’ll still get lovely caramelization, and the flavors shine through just as beautifully.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

If you like some kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to the glaze while simmering. You can also sprinkle a little chili powder over the chicken before grilling for extra heat.

Is Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze gluten free?

Yes, it is! Just be sure your soy sauce is certified gluten free (tamari is a great substitute if needed), and you’ll have a dish that’s totally safe for gluten-sensitive guests.

Final Thoughts

I can hardly wait for you to savor the juicy, sun-drenched flavors of Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze. This is one of those recipes that’s impressive enough for company but simple enough for any night of the week. Fire up your grill and treat yourself to a dazzling dinner everyone will want the recipe for!

Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze recipe is a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors that complement juicy grilled chicken breasts. The citrus glaze adds a bright and flavorful touch to the dish, making it a delightful option for a summer meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon olive oil

Citrus Glaze:

1/4 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water

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Instructions

Preheat the Grill: Preheat the grill to medium heat.
Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Drizzle with olive oil and rub to coat evenly.
Prepare Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, lemon juice, honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Simmer and stir in the cornstarch slurry until thickened.
Grill Chicken: Grill the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Brush with citrus glaze during the last few minutes of grilling.
Finish and Serve: Reserve some glaze to drizzle over the chicken when serving.

Notes

For extra citrus flavor, marinate chicken in a mix of orange and lemon juice for 30 minutes before grilling.
You can use lime juice as a substitute for lemon if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American