Description
There’s something magical about the scent of citrus mingling with smoky grilled chicken. It brings back memories of summer barbecues in the backyard—barefoot on warm grass, laughter echoing, and a table full of vibrant, fresh food. This Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze isn’t just a recipe—it’s a celebration of sunshine, family, and those golden hours before sunset.
In many cultures, citrus fruits are cherished not just for their bright flavors, but also for what they represent: energy, vitality, and refreshment. In Mediterranean homes, lemon chicken is a weeknight staple. In Latin cooking, oranges and limes are used to marinate meat for both flavor and tenderness. This dish is a beautiful marriage of those global traditions, brought together on the grill for a meal that tastes just as joyful as it feels.
The sweet-tangy glaze gives the chicken a gorgeous caramelized finish, and the combination of orange, lemon, and lime creates a flavor that’s zesty and refreshing. Whether you’re making this for a quick family dinner or serving it up at your next backyard cookout, this dish is sure to become a fast favorite
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice and zest of 1 orange
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
Juice and zest of 1 lime
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3 garlic cloves, minced
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening glaze)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together the olive oil, citrus juices and zests (orange, lemon, and lime), honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. This marinade smells incredible—like a summer orchard in a bowl. Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish, and pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours if you’ve got the time).
Personal tip: I love prepping this in the morning so it’s ready to grill by dinner. The citrus really tenderizes the chicken over time.
Step 2: Prepare the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, aim for an even layer of hot coals. For gas, just fire it up and let it heat through. Lightly oil the grates so the chicken doesn’t stick.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade, but don’t toss the marinade—you’ll use it for the glaze. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, depending on thickness, until fully cooked and lightly charred. Use a meat thermometer to check—165°F is your goal.
Grill tip: Pressing the chicken down with a spatula won’t make it cook faster; it just squeezes out all those tasty juices!
Step 4: Make the Citrus Glaze
While the chicken is grilling, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle boil and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring often. If you’d like a thicker glaze, dissolve the cornstarch in a tablespoon of water and stir it into the glaze during the last minute of simmering. The honey helps it thicken and caramelize beautifully.
Step 5: Glaze and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked, brush it generously with the warm glaze. Let it sit for a couple minutes to soak up that sweet-tangy flavor, then serve hot with an extra drizzle of glaze on top.
Notes
You can swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer juicier cuts—just adjust grilling time slightly. This recipe works beautifully for meal prep, too. The leftovers stay flavorful and moist, perfect for slicing into salads or wraps.