Juicy Citrus Chicken Marinade

I get so tired of boring grilled chicken recipes! Most don’t infuse enough flavor and they often turn out dry. But Grilled Citrus Chicken is different — it never disappoints!

Ingredients

All you need is some chicken, citrus, and standard seasonings to whip up this juicy and flavorful chicken dish.

• Chicken Breasts, Boneless and Skinless – These are lean and cook quickly, making them perfect for absorbing the marinade’s bright, citrusy flavors.
• Orange Juice – This juice adds natural sweetness and acidity, which helps to tenderize the chicken and balance the tanginess of the lemon.
• Lemon Zest – Lemon zest provides concentrated citrus flavor that’s brighter and more aromatic than the juice alone.
• Lemon Juice – The acidity in lemon juice breaks down the chicken’s fibers, making it more tender.
• Garlic Clove – Garlic adds an extra layer of flavor to the marinade.
• Fine Sea Salt – Salt helps to season the chicken and bring out the other flavors.
• Ground Black Pepper – This subtle layer of spice complements the citrus and savory elements of the marinade.
• Light Virgin Olive Oil – Oil adds richness to the marinade, helping to keep the chicken moist while cooking.
• Water – Just a little bit of water slightly dilutes the marinade to help it evenly coat the chicken and ensures the flavors are balanced without being overpowering.

Variations

There are so many ways to change up this simple marinated chicken. Here are a few for inspiration!

• Chicken Thighs Bone-In And Skin-On – Swap out the chicken breasts for chicken thighs. You may have to adjust the cooking time — be sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
• Lime Juice And Zest – Swap lemon for lime for a slightly different flavor profile. 
• Honey Or Maple Syrup – Add a touch of natural sweetness to balance the acidity of the citrus.
• Fresh Cilantro Or Parsley – Stir fresh herbs into the marinade or garnish the chicken after cooking for a burst of fresh flavor.
• Heat – Add a hint of heat with crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper powder.
• Soy Sauce – Replace some of the salt with soy sauce for an umami-packed twist.
• Sesame Oil – Replace part of the olive oil with sesame oil for a slightly nutty and Asian-inspired flavor.
• Cumin Or Smoked Paprika – Add a pinch of either of these to add a warm flavor to the chicken.
• Yogurt – Incorporate a bit of plain yogurt for a creamy marinade that can enhance the tenderness even more.

How to Make Grilled Citrus Chicken

It’s a cinch to make this citrus chicken! Prep time is minimal and cooking time is so quick you won’t believe it’s already finished when you pull it off the grill!

1. Prepare the Chicken. Gently pound the chicken with the flat side of a meat mallet to create an even thickness. Score shallow slits across each piece, being careful not to cut through entirely. 
2. Make the Marinade. In a large resealable bag, mix all the remaining ingredients to create a flavorful citrus marinade.
3. Marinate the Chicken. Place the chicken in the bag, seal tightly, and massage the marinade into the meat. Allow it to sit for 10-30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
4. Preheat the Grill. Warm up your grill to a medium-high heat setting and lightly coat the grates with grill-safe nonstick spray.
5. Grill the Chicken. Lay the marinated chicken directly over the heat and cook on one side until grill marks form and it starts to lift easily. Flip and cook the other side until done.
6. Rest and Serve. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices before slicing or serving.

What to Serve with Grilled Citrus Chicken

Nearly anything can be served with grilled chicken! We love cookout sides like cowboy baked beans, vinegar coleslaw, and classic macaroni salad.

You can also opt for veggies like broccolini, asparagus, or roasted root vegetables. For heartier side dishes, try mac and cheese, parmesan risotto, or mashed potatoes.

Storage and Freezing

Storing this chicken is easy, making it a breeze to meal prep or prepare it ahead of time.

How to Store

Transfer the chicken to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Can I Freeze Citrus Grilled Chicken?

Freeze the chicken in a resealable freezer bag and keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Common Questions about Grilled Citrus Chicken

More Juicy Chicken Recipes

On the prowl for more delicious poultry-centered dishes? Try some of our absolute favorite chicken recipes that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

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Looking for juicy chicken on the grill? Check out my Citrus Grilled Chicken recipe and tips for the best chicken on the grill!

Prep Time: 30 minutes mins

Cook Time: 15 minutes mins

Total Time: 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4

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Equipment

• Garlic press
• Meat Tenderizer

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts boneless and skinless
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• Zest of one lemon
• Juice of one lemon
• 1 garlic clove finely minced
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup light virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions

• Lightly tenderize chicken using the flat head of a meat mallet. Cut slits into each chicken breast about 1/2 inch apart and only cutting half way through the breasts. This will help the marinade sink in and cook quicker on the grill.
• Combine the remaining ingredients in a large plastic bag along with chicken. Marinate for 10-30 minutes.
• Heat grill to medium-high heat. Spray with grill approved cooking spray and place chicken directly over heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until done. Since the sizes of chicken varies greatly, so will the cooking times.
• Remove and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
• If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was!

Notes

Chicken can also be baked at 350 degrees for approximately 15-20 minutes or until fully cooked.

Nutrition

Calories: 385 kcal, Carbohydrates: 2 g, Protein: 48 g, Fat: 19 g, Saturated Fat: 3 g, Cholesterol: 145 mg, Sodium: 409 mg, Potassium: 867 mg, Sugar: 1 g, Vitamin A: 99 IU, Vitamin C: 11 mg, Calcium: 11 mg, Iron: 1 mg

Calories: 385

Course: Main Course, Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chicken on the grill, citrus chicken marinade, grilled chicken recipe

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