If you’re looking to light up the grill with your next showstopper, let me introduce you to Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze. This recipe is absolutely bursting with vibrant, sunny citrus flavor, kissed by zingy fresh herbs and a sweet-tangy glaze that just begs for a second helping. Not only does this dish come together with simple, accessible ingredients, but it also promises juicy, succulent chicken every time. Whether you’re planning a laid-back barbecue or brightening up a weeknight dinner, Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze delivers big on flavor and always gets rave reviews.

Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how just a handful of fresh, simple ingredients can transform plain chicken into something dazzling. Each element of this shortlist brings a little extra magic — from the punchy citrus trio to aromatic herbs and just the right touch of honey in the glaze. Here’s what you’ll need and why each deserves a place in your kitchen tonight:

Chicken Breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick cooking and juicy results, but you can use thighs if you prefer a bit more richness.
Fresh Orange Juice: Delivers sweet brightness and helps tenderize the chicken, serving as the heart of your marinade.
Orange Zest: Packs in concentrated citrus oils, amplifying the flavor of the juice and making the marinade irresistible.
Lemon (Juice + Zest): Adds sharp, fresh acidity and a slightly floral note that wakes up every bite.
Limes (Juice + Zest): Contributes tangy complexity and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Garlic (Minced): Brings savory depth and an aromatic punch — don’t skimp on the garlic!
Shallots (Minced): Lend mild onion flavor that melts into the marinade and glaze, adding subtle background sweetness.
Olive Oil: Helps the marinade soak into the chicken and keeps everything moist on the grill.
Brown Sugar: Just a bit for caramelization and sweetness, making sure the glaze is glossy and satisfying.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing out all the other flavors — season generously for best results.
Fresh Rosemary: A little goes a long way, infusing every bite with piney, earthy herbaceousness.
Dried Parsley: Adds an extra layer of herbal flavor and a pop of color to the finished dish.
Red Pepper Flakes: For a gentle background warmth — perfect for those who like a hint of heat.
Honey: Whisked into the glaze for silky sheen and just the right sticky-sweet finish.

How to Make Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze

Step 1: Prepare The Citrus Marinade

Start by zesting and juicing your orange, lemon, and limes — it’s really worth using fresh fruit here! In a mixing bowl, stir together all the zest and juice with minced garlic, minced shallots, olive oil, brown sugar, salt, pepper, rosemary, parsley, and red pepper flakes. This lively blend will serve double-duty, both tenderizing and flavoring the chicken and creating that gorgeous glaze later.

Step 2: Get the Chicken Ready

Lay your chicken breasts on a cutting board and, if they’re especially thick, gently pound them to an even thickness or slice them in half. This helps them cook quickly and evenly on the grill. Next, pour HALF the citrus marinade over the chicken in a large zip-top bag or bowl. Reserve the other half — you’ll use this later as your glaze base.

Step 3: Marinate and Maximize Flavor

Seal up the chicken and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours. The fresh citrus will work its magic, infusing the meat with flavor and juiciness. Don’t go longer than four hours, though — the acidity in the citrus will start to break down the chicken a bit too much if it waits any longer.

Step 4: Grill Like a Pro

When you’re ready to serve, preheat your grill to medium-high and rub or brush the grates with oil so nothing sticks. Lay the chicken pieces on the grill and cook them for 6–7 minutes per side, flipping once, until the internal temperature hits 165°F. Remember, actual cook time will vary based on your cut and thickness, so a digital thermometer is your friend here!

Step 5: Make The Citrus Glaze

While the chicken grills, pour your reserved citrus marinade into a small saucepan and stir in the honey. Set it over low heat and let it simmer for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and can coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly, and you’ll have a luscious, glossy citrus glaze ready to go.

Step 6: The Finishing Touch

In the last minute or two of grilling, brush the thickened glaze over each piece of chicken, allowing it to caramelize just slightly on the hot grill. Once you pull the chicken off the heat, let it rest for a few minutes — this keeps all those fantastic juices right where you want them!

How to Serve Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or a bit more chopped rosemary is always gorgeous on top. You can zest a little extra lemon or lime over the chicken for a colorful, zippy finish. Don’t forget thinly sliced citrus rounds or wedges along the platter — they’re as beautiful as they are delicious.

Side Dishes

Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze is incredibly versatile, so feel free to pair it with fluffy herbed rice, garlicky roasted potatoes, or a fresh summer salad piled high with greens and avocado. I love adding grilled asparagus, blistered green beans, or charred corn on the cob for a meal that celebrates sunshine.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning dinner party plate, pre-slice the chicken and arrange the juicy slices in a fan pattern, drizzling generously with extra glaze. If you want to create a casual feel, serve the chicken sliced over a big salad, or tuck into warm pita wraps with crunchy veggies and a dollop of yogurt sauce. No matter how you plate it, everyone will want seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors become even deeper after a night in the fridge, making leftovers just as satisfying for lunch the next day. Be sure to store any extra glaze separately, if you have it.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked, glazed chicken for up to 2 months. Once cooled, wrap pieces tightly in foil or plastic, then store in a freezer bag or airtight container. To prevent freezer burn, try to remove as much air as possible before sealing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in a 325°F oven until just warmed through. Splash a little extra glaze or even a tiny bit of citrus juice on top to freshen up the flavor and keep things moist.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute for breasts in this recipe, offering even more juiciness and flavor. Just adjust your grilling time since they may take a minute or two longer to cook through.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No grill? No problem! You can cook Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze using a grill pan on your stovetop or even broil it in the oven. Just keep a close eye to avoid overcooking, and still finish with that luscious glaze.

Is it necessary to make the glaze?

The glaze isn’t strictly required, but it really elevates the dish and gives that glossy, sticky finish that everyone loves. If you’re short on time, you can skip it — just halve the marinade recipe — but if you can, definitely make it!

How spicy is this recipe?

The red pepper flakes add a light warmth, but the heat is pretty mild overall. If you love things a bit spicier, feel free to use more pepper flakes or toss in a pinch of cayenne; for less heat, simply reduce or omit.

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

While a long marinate is tempting, it’s best not to go beyond 4 hours because all that citrus can make the chicken mushy. The bright flavors come through beautifully with a 30-minute to 4-hour window.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze a try the next time you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor. It’s one of those dishes that never fails to impress, whether you’re feeding family or entertaining friends. Once you taste that sweet-tangy glaze layered over smoky grilled chicken, I’m certain it’ll win a place in your regular rotation. Happy grilling!

Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 16 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze recipe features juicy chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful blend of fresh citrus juices and aromatic spices, then grilled to perfection and finished with a sweet and tangy citrus glaze. It’s a perfect dish for a summer barbecue or any time you’re craving a bright and zesty main course.

Instructions

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.
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.

Notes

If you are NOT making the glaze, you can half the marinade recipe.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
Calories: 320
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 460mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Grilled Citrus Chicken, Citrus Glaze, BBQ Chicken Recipe, Summer Grilling, Chicken Marinade