Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe

Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for summer barbecues or a casual dinner. The zesty citrus marinade infuses the chicken with a refreshing taste, while the sweet and tangy glaze adds a delightful finish. This dish is easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro (for garnish)

For the Citrus Glaze:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)

Preparation Steps

Preparing the Chicken

1. Trim and Pound the Chicken:
   • Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts. Place each breast between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound to an even thickness.

Making the Citrus Marinade

1. Combine Marinade Ingredients:
   • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, minced garlic, honey, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
   • Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

Marinating the Chicken

Recommended Marinating Time

1. Marinate for Maximum Flavor:
   • For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours. Overnight marination will enhance the flavor even more.

Tips for Maximum Flavor

1. Turn the Chicken:
   • Turn the chicken occasionally during marination to ensure even absorption of the flavors.

Grilling the Chicken

Preheating the Grill

1. Preheat the Grill:
   • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

Cooking the Chicken

1. Grill the Chicken:
   • Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Making the Citrus Glaze

Ingredients for the Glaze

1. Combine Glaze Ingredients:
   • In a small saucepan, combine honey, orange juice, and soy sauce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

Cooking the Glaze

1. Thicken the Glaze (Optional):
   • If you prefer a thicker glaze, stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until the glaze has thickened, about 1-2 minutes.

Applying the Glaze

When to Apply the Glaze

1. Glaze the Chicken:
   • During the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush the citrus glaze over the chicken breasts, turning to coat both sides.

How to Ensure Even Coating

1. Brush Evenly:
   • Use a basting brush to apply the glaze evenly, ensuring each piece is well-coated.

Serving Suggestions

Presentation Tips

1. Garnish and Serve:
   • Transfer the grilled chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve immediately.

Side Dish Recommendations

1. Pair with Sides:
   • Serve this dish with a side of grilled vegetables, a fresh green salad, or fluffy rice for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information

Calorie Count

• The calorie count will vary based on portion sizes and specific ingredient brands, but this dish is generally moderate in calories due to the lean chicken and fresh citrus marinade.

Nutritional Benefits

• This dish is rich in protein from the chicken and provides vitamins and antioxidants from the citrus fruits.

Conclusion

Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze is a delightful and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of zesty citrus flavors and a sweet glaze makes this chicken recipe a standout. Try this recipe for your next barbecue or family dinner and enjoy the burst of flavors.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of citrus?

• Yes, you can use grapefruit or even pineapple juice for a different twist on the flavor profile.

2. What if I don’t have a grill?

• You can use a grill pan on the stovetop or broil the chicken in the oven.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

• You can marinate the chicken and prepare the glaze ahead of time. Grill the chicken fresh before serving for the best taste.

4. How do I store leftovers?

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

5. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

• Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work well and may provide a juicier texture due to their higher fat content.

Yield: 4

Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe

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Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze is a vibrant and flavorful dish that's perfect for summer barbecues or a casual dinner. The zesty citrus marinade infuses the chicken with a refreshing taste, while the sweet and tangy glaze adds a delightful finish. This dish is easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress your guests.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 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

Instructions

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.