Grilled Citrus Chicken with Honey Glaze Recipe
Introduction
Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze is a bright and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend barbecue. The combination of orange and lemon juices balanced with honey creates a tangy, sweet glaze that enhances the tender grilled chicken.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the orange juice, lemon juice, and honey until well combined to create the citrus glaze.
- Step 3: Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- Step 4: During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the chicken generously with the citrus glaze, allowing it to caramelize slightly on the surface.
- Step 5: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, drizzle any remaining glaze over the chicken.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the citrus glaze for up to 2 hours before grilling.
- Use lime juice instead of lemon for a different citrus twist.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes to the glaze for a subtle spicy kick.
- Serve with grilled vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat to keep it moist. The glaze may be reheated separately and drizzled over the chicken before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, bone-in or boneless chicken thighs work well and may stay juicier during grilling. Adjust cooking time accordingly, usually about 7-8 minutes per side.
Is it necessary to brush the glaze during cooking?
Brushing the glaze during the last few minutes of grilling helps it caramelize without burning, enhancing the flavor and appearance of the chicken.
PrintGrilled Citrus Chicken with Honey Glaze Recipe
Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze is a vibrant and juicy dish featuring tender chicken breasts marinated and brushed with a flavorful citrus glaze made from fresh orange juice, lemon juice, and sweet honey. Perfect for a healthy and refreshing meal, this recipe combines the smoky flavors of grilling with the bright zestiness of citrus for an irresistible entree.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Citrus Glaze
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Prepare the Citrus Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the fresh orange juice, lemon juice, and honey. Whisk until the honey is fully dissolved to create a smooth glaze.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 375°F to 400°F, ensuring the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, and the chicken has nice grill marks.
- Brush with Citrus Glaze: During the last few minutes of grilling, generously brush the chicken breasts with the prepared citrus glaze on both sides. Continue grilling for 1-2 more minutes per side to caramelize the glaze without burning it.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve the grilled citrus chicken warm with additional glaze drizzled on top if desired.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken in half of the citrus glaze for 30 minutes before grilling.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked but still juicy.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or broil the chicken in the oven as an alternative.
- Adjust honey quantity to taste depending on preferred sweetness level.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Keywords: grilled chicken,citrus chicken,orange glaze,lemon glaze,healthy chicken recipe,summertime chicken,grilled poultry,honey citrus glaze
