Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe
Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze is a delightful dish that brings together the tangy brightness of citrus with the savory, smoky flavors of grilled chicken. This recipe is perfect for summer cookouts, family dinners, or any time you want to enjoy a flavorful and healthy meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Grilled Citrus Chicken recipe is easy to prepare, bursting with fresh flavors, and healthy. The citrus marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with a vibrant taste, while the glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish. Whether you’re a grill master or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients Overview
Chicken
- Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Boneless, skinless pieces work best for this recipe.
Citrus Marinade
- Oranges: Freshly squeezed juice and zest.
- Lemons: Freshly squeezed juice and zest.
- Limes: Freshly squeezed juice and zest.
- Garlic: Freshly minced.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin.
- Honey: Adds sweetness.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Glaze
- Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed.
- Honey: For sweetness.
- Soy Sauce: Adds a savory depth.
- Cornstarch: For thickening.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for a hint of heat.
Additional Ingredients
- Fresh Herbs: Such as parsley or cilantro for garnish.
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Mixing Bowls: For the marinade and glaze.
- Whisk: For mixing the glaze.
- Grill or Grill Pan: For cooking the chicken.
- Tongs: For flipping the chicken.
- Basting Brush: For applying the glaze.
- Zester: For zesting the citrus fruits.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Marinating the Chicken
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the juice and zest of 2 oranges, 2 lemons, and 2 limes. Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons honey, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place 4 chicken breasts or thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
Preparing the Glaze
- Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup orange juice, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Whisk until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the glaze thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Grilling the Chicken
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Applying the Glaze
- Glaze the Chicken: During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the glaze over the chicken pieces. Turn the chicken to coat both sides with the glaze, allowing it to caramelize slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Grilled Citrus Chicken hot, garnished with fresh herbs and extra citrus slices. Pair it with a side of grilled vegetables, a fresh green salad, or steamed rice for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
- Marinate Longer for More Flavor: Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight will enhance the flavors.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Ensure there’s enough space between chicken pieces for even cooking.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: This ensures the chicken is cooked through but not overcooked.
Variations and Substitutions
- Protein Alternatives: Try this recipe with shrimp, pork chops, or tofu.
- Different Citrus: Use grapefruit or tangerines for a different flavor profile.
- Spice it Up: Add chopped jalapeños to the marinade for extra heat.
Storing and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze (based on 4 servings) has approximately:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
Conclusion
Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze is a flavorful and healthy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of citrus and honey creates a delightful glaze that enhances the natural flavors of the grilled chicken. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Source: crunchtimekitchen.com
Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe
Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze is a delightful dish that brings together the tangy brightness of citrus with the savory, smoky flavors of grilled chicken. This recipe is perfect for summer cookouts, family dinners, or any time you want to enjoy a flavorful and healthy meal.
- 1 ½ – 2 pounds chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon Orange zest
- 1 large lemon (juice + zest)
- 2 large limes (juice + zest)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 shallots (minced)
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Citrus glaze:
- ½ of the marinade
- 2 tablespoons honey
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.
For Chicken:
- 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.
- 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.
Grilling the Chicken:
- When ready to grill the chicken, preheat grill to medium-high heat and brush grates with some oil.
- Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until it reaches 165˚F in the thickest part of the chicken. Depending on the cut you are using, this time may vary so use a thermometer to make sure your chicken is cooked safely.
- Brush chicken with glaze in the last minute or two of cooking if you are using.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Glaze:
- If you want to make the glaze, add half of the reserve citrus marinade to a saucepan with honey. Stir well and bring to a low simmer.
- Simmer over low heat for 5-6 minutes until the glaze is thickened and coats a spoon.
- Turn off heat and let cool. Then brush on chicken.
- Note: if you are NOT making the glaze, you can half the marinade recipe.