Hello friends, Chef André here!
If you’re craving a dinner that’s fresh, juicy, and packed with bold flavor, this Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze is exactly what you need.
Tender chicken breasts are marinated in a zesty citrus blend, then grilled to perfection and finished with a glossy, savory-sweet glaze that locks in moisture and flavor. It’s light yet satisfying, making it perfect for summer cookouts, quick family dinners, or meal prep throughout the week.
What I love most about this Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze is how effortlessly it comes together. Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and big, bright flavors that make every bite taste like sunshine.
Why This Grilled Citrus Chicken Works So Well
This recipe is a favorite because it’s:
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Naturally gluten-free
- High in protein and low in carbs
- Perfect for grilling or indoor grill pans
- Family-friendly and meal-prep ready
Healthy, flavorful, and incredibly versatile.
Ingredients for Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze
For the Chicken & Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Citrus Glaze
- ½ cup reserved citrus marinade
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Smart Substitutions by Chef André
- Chicken thighs for extra juiciness
- Lime juice instead of lemon for a sharper kick
- Maple syrup instead of honey
- Garlic powder if fresh garlic isn’t available
Step-by-Step Preparation – Chef André Guides You
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, lemon juice, zests, olive oil, garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Reserve ½ cup of the marinade for the glaze.
Add chicken to remaining marinade and marinate for 20–30 minutes (or up to 8 hours refrigerated).
2. Grill the Chicken
Preheat grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat.
Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 5–6 minutes per side, until nicely charred and fully cooked.
Transfer chicken to a plate and rest briefly.
3. Make the Citrus Glaze
Pour reserved marinade into a small saucepan.
Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes, until thickened and glossy.
4. Finish & Serve
Brush warm glaze over grilled chicken.
Garnish with fresh herbs or citrus slices if desired.
Serve immediately.
Creative Variations by Chef André
Customize your Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze easily:
🌶 Spicy Citrus Chicken
Add chili flakes or cayenne to the marinade.
🌿 Herb Citrus Chicken
Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the glaze.
🥗 Bowl-Style Meal
Serve sliced chicken over rice or salad.
🌮 Street-Style Tacos
Slice chicken and serve in warm tortillas with slaw.
Chef’s Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken
- Don’t over-marinate—citrus can toughen meat
- Preheat the grill well for good char
- Let chicken rest before slicing
- Brush glaze at the end to avoid burning
Small tips, juicy results.
What to Serve with Grilled Citrus Chicken
This chicken pairs beautifully with:
- Grilled vegetables
- Rice or quinoa
- Fresh green salad
- Roasted potatoes
Perfect for casual dinners or entertaining.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store up to 3 days
- Reheat: Gently in a skillet or oven
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken up to 2 months
FAQ – Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze
Can I cook this indoors?
Yes—use a grill pan or cast-iron skillet.
Is the glaze very sweet?
No—balanced with citrus and savory notes.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Mild, juicy, and flavorful.
Can I meal prep this?
Yes—it reheats well and stays juicy.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Protein: 36 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
(Values vary based on glaze amount.)
Conclusion – Chef André’s Fresh Grill Night Favorite 🍋🔥
This Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze is proof that healthy dinners don’t have to be boring. Bright citrus flavor, juicy grilled chicken, and a simple glaze come together for a meal your family will request again and again.
If you try it, leave a comment, rate the recipe, and tell me how you served it!
For safe handling and storage of poultry, I always recommend USDA Food Safety:
👉 https://www.usda.gov/food-safety
Happy grilling,
Chef André 👨🍳