Get ready to savor bright, sunny flavors right from your grill with the Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe! This beautiful dish balances juicy, tender chicken with an irresistibly zesty citrus marinade, accented by honey and fresh herbs. Each bite is layered with sweet, tangy, and savory notes, making it perfect for summer gatherings, weeknight family dinners, or whenever you need a quick burst of flavor. The glaze gives the chicken that glossy, show-stopping finish, and paired with the fresh aroma, it’s bound to become a staple on your menu!

Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple list of fresh, vibrant ingredients. Each component plays a key role—not just in flavor, but also in presenting colorful, inviting plates at your table. Here’s what you’ll need to make your Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe truly shine!

Chicken breasts: Pick boneless, skinless breasts for quicker, even grilling—pound or butterfly them for best results.
Fresh orange juice: Delivers bright sweetness; squeeze it yourself for the freshest flavor.
Orange zest: Intensifies the citrus aroma and adds a pop of freshness.
Lemon (juice + zest): Brings tangy sharpness that lifts the marinade.
Limes (juice + zest): Adds a zippy, slightly bitter punch that balances the sweetness.
Garlic (minced): Gives savory depth that rounds out the citrusy notes.
Shallots (minced): Lends a gentle onion flavor without overwhelming the marinade.
Olive oil: Helps the marinade cling to the chicken and locks in moisture.
Brown sugar: Sweetens and helps the glaze caramelize beautifully on the grill.
Salt and pepper: Essential for amplifying all the vibrant flavors.
Fresh rosemary: Infuses the chicken with earthy, woodsy aromatics.
Dried parsley: Offers mild, herbal flavor and a touch of green color.
Red pepper flakes: Brings a gentle heat—use more or less depending on your spice preference!
Honey: For the glaze, it brings a luscious stickiness and alluring shine.

How to Make Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Citrus Marinade

Using fresh fruit is a must for this Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe—zest and juice oranges, lemons, and limes to release their essential oils and juices. Then, combine the zest and juice with minced garlic and shallots, olive oil, brown sugar, salt, pepper, rosemary, parsley, and a dash of red pepper flakes in a bowl. Stir well to ensure everything is fully mixed and the sugar begins to dissolve, creating a robust, aromatic marinade.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

For beautifully even grilling, gently pound your chicken breasts to consistent thickness or butterfly them if they’re particularly large. Add your chicken to a zip-top bag or a shallow dish, and pour HALF of the vibrant marinade over the chicken. Reserve the remaining half for later to make your mouthwatering glaze. Toss to coat all sides and let the chicken soak up those flavors—30 minutes is sufficient, but you can marinate it up to four hours in the fridge for an extra burst.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill to medium-high and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard this used portion), and place the breasts on the hot grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side, flipping just once, until you get those gorgeous grill marks and the chicken reaches 165˚F at its thickest part. Use a meat thermometer for best results—over or undercooking is the main thing that can mess up your Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe!

Step 4: Simmer the Citrus Glaze

While the chicken grills, pour your reserved marinade into a small saucepan, add honey, and bring to a low simmer. Allow it to bubble gently for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a glossy, sticky glaze that coats the back of a spoon. Once ready, take it off the heat and let it cool slightly. This glaze adds the final sweet, shiny touch to your grilled chicken.

Step 5: Glaze & Rest

During the last 1-2 minutes of grilling, brush your thickened citrus glaze across the chicken breasts to create a lacquered, flavorful finish that practically begs for a taste. Once off the grill, let the chicken rest a few minutes so the juices redistribute—your patience will be rewarded with succulent, juicy bites every time!

How to Serve Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

For that restaurant-worthy finish, sprinkle extra lemon, lime, or orange zest over the top, add a few fresh parsley or rosemary sprigs, or even lay thin citrus slices over the chicken. Chopped green onions or microgreens add a burst of color and crispness, offering contrast to the glossy glaze.

Side Dishes

Consider pairing your Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe with a light, summery salad—think arugula and shaved fennel, or a classic cucumber-tomato combo. A bed of fluffy herbed rice or grilled seasonal veggies like asparagus or zucchini also makes a perfect base, soaking up any extra glaze on the plate. Crusty bread is never a bad idea, either!

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the chicken and fan it out over a platter, drizzle extra glaze for shine, and tuck colorful citrus rounds around the edges for a festive touch. For picnics or casual dinners, pre-slice the chicken and serve in sandwich sliders or wraps, letting the bold flavors shine through layers of leafy greens and pickled onions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate your leftover Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe for up to three days. The flavors tend to deepen as they sit, making for especially tasty next-day lunches!

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze cooked chicken, slice or portion it first, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator to preserve the tender texture and fresh citrus brightness.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a covered skillet with a splash of water or extra glaze to keep them moist. Alternatively, cover loosely with foil and warm in a 300°F oven until heated through. Avoid the microwave when possible, as it can make the chicken dry and rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and more forgiving than breasts. Just adjust the grilling time—thighs may need a few extra minutes depending on their thickness. The marinade and glaze work beautifully with either cut.

Is it necessary to make the glaze, or can I just use the marinade?

While the chicken is delicious straight off the grill, making the glaze takes this Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe to the next level. It adds a sweet, sticky finish that clings to the chicken, so I highly recommend it, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs can work in a pinch—use about a third of the amount called for fresh, since dried herbs are more concentrated. The pop of fresh rosemary does make a difference, though, so pick some up if you can!

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Definitely! You can whisk together the marinade and store it in the fridge (separated into two containers) for up to 24 hours in advance. Just give it a good stir before adding to the chicken or the saucepan for glaze.

How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?

A digital meat thermometer is your best friend here—shoot for 165°F in the thickest part of the chicken. If you don’t have a thermometer, check that juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink in the center.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the vibrant flavors and effortless charm of the Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe. With its punchy citrus, sweet honey glaze, and herbaceous notes, this dish is made to impress but easy enough for any night of the week. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite in your home!

Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 8 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze recipe is a burst of vibrant flavors perfect for a summertime barbecue. The citrus-infused marinade tenderizes the chicken while creating a zesty and slightly sweet glaze for a delicious finish.

Instructions

For Marinade: Zest and juice fresh fruit, then combine with garlic, shallots, olive oil, sugar, salt, pepper, rosemary, parsley, and red pepper flakes.
For Chicken: Tenderize and marinate the chicken in half of the marinade for 30 minutes to 4 hours. Grill until cooked through.
Grilling the Chicken: Preheat grill, cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until 165˚F, brushing with glaze towards the end.
Glaze: Simmer reserved marinade with honey, then brush on chicken before serving.

Notes

If making the glaze, reserve half of the marinade. Otherwise, halve the marinade recipe.
Ensure not to marinate the chicken for more than 4 hours to prevent excessive breakdown from the acid.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American