Citrus Glazed Grilled Chicken Recipe

If you’re ready to savor chicken at its juiciest, brightest best, you’re in for an absolute treat with this Citrus Glazed Grilled Chicken! Each bite bursts with the zingy sweetness of orange, lemon, and lime, mellowed by a honeyed glaze and fragrant herbs. Summer dinner, backyard barbecue, or weekend meal prep—this crowd-pleaser guarantees clean plates and happy hearts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Citrus Glazed Grilled Chicken comes together with a handful of fresh, flavor-packed ingredients that each bring something memorable to the table. It’s all about bold citrus, punchy aromatics, and a honeyed touch that transforms chicken into something completely craveable.

• Chicken Breasts (1 ½–2 lbs): Go for boneless, skinless breasts for juiciness—pounding them evenly guarantees perfect cooking.
• Fresh Orange Juice & Zest (1 cup + 1 tbsp zest): The orange brings lush sweetness and bright, sunny notes to the marinade.
• Lemon Juice & Zest (from 1 large lemon): Adds a zippy acidity and ultra-fresh aroma that makes the flavors pop.
• Lime Juice & Zest (from 2 large limes): Lime brings a complex tang and just a hint of tropical flair.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Nothing else adds deeper savory notes quite like fresh garlic.
• Shallots (2, minced): Shallots are sweeter and milder than onions, giving the marinade a delicate balance.
• Olive Oil (½ cup): The oil not only helps flavors infuse, but keeps the chicken moist on the grill.
• Brown Sugar (2 tbsp): Just a tad for caramelization and a touch of molasses-like depth.
• Salt & Pepper (½ tsp each): Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
• Fresh Rosemary (1 tbsp): Rosemary’s piney aroma pairs beautifully with the citrus.
• Dried Parsley (1 tbsp): Adds earthiness and color.
• Red Pepper Flakes (1 tsp): For a flicker of gentle heat—adjust to taste or omit if preferred.
• Honey (2 tbsp, for glaze): Stirred into the reserved marinade, honey makes the perfect sticky-sweet finishing touch.

Variations

One of the joys of Citrus Glazed Grilled Chicken is how effortlessly you can adapt it to suit your tastes or what’s in your fridge. Don’t be shy—make this recipe your own, and let the citrusy magic shine in new ways each time!

• Switch Up the Citrus: Use all lemons for an extra-tangy twist or add grapefruit for a bit of bitterness and depth.
• Try Different Herbs: Swap fresh rosemary and parsley for basil, thyme, or cilantro for a whole new flavor personality.
• Spice It Up: Kick up the heat with more red pepper flakes or even a little diced jalapeño in the marinade.
• Alternate Proteins: This marinade works wonders for boneless thighs, shrimp, or even tofu if you’d like a plant-based version.

How to Make Citrus Glazed Grilled Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Citrusy Marinade

Start by zesting and juicing the oranges, lemon, and limes. In a large mixing bowl, combine all that vivid citrus with minced garlic, shallot, olive oil, brown sugar, salt, pepper, rosemary, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Give it a good stir until everything melds into a punchy, fragrant marinade you’ll want to sip by the spoonful.

Step 2: Butterfly and Marinate the Chicken

If your chicken breasts are thick, either lightly pound them or slice them horizontally to create evenly thick cutlets—this helps them cook perfectly on the grill. Add the chicken to a zip-top bag or shallow dish, pouring HALF of the marinade over top (reserve the rest for the glaze). Toss to coat, ensuring every piece is well covered. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for big flavor—just don’t go longer, or the citrus will start to break the chicken down too much.

Step 3: Prep the Grill & Make the Glaze

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high. Brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking. Meanwhile, add honey to the reserved marinade and simmer in a small saucepan for a few minutes—the glaze should thicken slightly and take on a golden sheen. (This step is pure magic!)

Step 4: Grill & Glaze

Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Grill the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until nicely charred and just cooked through. In the last couple of minutes, brush the chicken with the citrus-honey glaze—this adds irresistible shine and caramelization. Rest the chicken for a few minutes, then slice and serve with one more drizzle of glaze.

How to Serve Citrus Glazed Grilled Chicken

Garnishes

A few simple garnishes make this dish truly pop! Try a shower of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, a flourish of grated citrus zest, or even some thinly sliced green onions for color and crunch. If you have it, grilled citrus slices look gorgeous nestled on top or alongside each piece.

Side Dishes

Pair your Citrus Glazed Grilled Chicken with fluffy white rice, herbed quinoa, or a refreshing summer salad. Grilled asparagus, roasted potatoes, or a medley of vibrant veggies are fabulous sides that echo the brightness of the main dish. For a barbecue feast, corn on the cob or a crisp slaw is always a winner!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your chicken into the star of a colorful platter: slice the breasts and fan them over a bed of greens, or serve family-style on a rustic wooden board with grilled citrus halves for squeezing. For lunches, tuck sliced chicken into wraps or grain bowls with extra glaze and fresh veggies—it’s irresistibly meal-prep friendly!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Citrus Glazed Grilled Chicken stores beautifully! Let the chicken cool completely, then seal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making your leftovers extra delectable the next day.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze fully cooled grilled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. I recommend wrapping pieces individually if you’d like to thaw just one or two at a time. Defrost overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken in the microwave (covered) or in a 300°F oven until just heated through. For extra moisture and flavor, brush with a little leftover glaze or a squeeze of fresh citrus before serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Citrus Glazed Grilled Chicken is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make all summer long—simple, stunning, and completely satisfying. Give it a go, and let the vibrant flavors and sticky-sweet glaze make your next meal extra memorable. Enjoy every juicy, zesty bite!

Citrus Glazed Grilled Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 58 reviews

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze recipe is bursting with tangy and sweet flavors that will elevate your grilled chicken game to a whole new level. The citrus marinade keeps the chicken juicy and adds a refreshing zing, while the glaze caramelizes beautifully on the grill, creating a mouthwatering finish.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For Marinade:

• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tbsp Orange zest
• 1 large lemon juice + zest
• 2 large limes juice + zest
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 shallots, minced
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary
• 1 tbsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes

For Chicken:

• 1 1/2–2 lb chicken breasts

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Instructions

1. For Marinade: Zest and juice fresh fruit and then stir together with other ingredients: garlic, shallot, olive oil, sugar, salt, pepper, rosemary, parsley, and red pepper flakes.
2. For Chicken:
   1. If using chicken breasts, lightly pound the breasts or butterfly them in half so they are a more even thickness. Then add to HALF of the marinade recipe. Save the other half of the marinade for the citrus glaze.
   2. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to four hours. Don’t go longer than that or the chicken will start to break down too much from the acid.
3. Grilling the Chicken:
   1. When ready to grill the chicken, preheat grill to medium-high heat and brush grates with some oil.

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Notes

• Make sure not to marinate the chicken for more than 4 hours to prevent it from becoming too acidic.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 430mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 85mg