Name: Healthy Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5-2 pounds chicken breasts; 1 cup fresh orange juice; 1 tablespoon orange zest; 1 large lemon juice and zest; 2 large limes juice and zest; 4 cloves garlic minced; 2 shallots minced; 0.5 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.5 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary; 1 tablespoon dried parsley; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 tablespoons honey for glaze

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Juicy, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, Healthy Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze is the perfect dish to brighten your dinner table. With an enticing blend of fresh citrus juices, garlic, and herbs, this wonderfully marinated chicken not only tastes divine but also offers a quick and healthy mealtime solution. Each bite delivers a delightful balance of sweetness and acidity that promises to tantalize your taste buds. It’s more than a recipe; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients that you can whip up in no time.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Healthy Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Healthy Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze

Healthy Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze

I first encountered this delightful dish during a summer picnic, where the aroma of grilled chicken mingled with the warm afternoon sun created an irresistibly inviting atmosphere. Since that memorable day, I’ve made this healthy grilled chicken a staple in my kitchen, and it never fails to impress. It’s not just suitable for a casual weeknight dinner; it shines bright at barbecues or special family gatherings too! I’m thrilled to share this easy-to-follow recipe with you; I can’t wait for you to try it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prep takes just 15 minutes, and grilling wraps up in 30, making this a speedy dinner option.
Irresistible Flavor: With fresh citrus notes and a hint of sweetness from honey, every bite sings summer.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Bright orange and yellow hues make this dish as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests; it pairs beautifully with salads or grilled veggies.
Diet-Friendly Options: This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be adapted for low-carb diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1.5-2 pounds chicken breasts: Choose skinless, boneless chicken breasts for a lean and healthy option. If needed, you can substitute with chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
1 cup fresh orange juice: Fresh-squeezed gives the best flavor. In a pinch, you can use store-bought juice, but opt for 100% juice without additives.
1 tablespoon orange zest: Zest adds an intense citrus aroma. Use a microplane for the best results.
Juice and zest from 1 large lemon: Fresh lemon juice brightens the marinade. Avoid bottled lemon juice as it lacks the fresh flavor.
Juice and zest from 2 large limes: The lime’s acidity balances sweetness beautifully.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Freshly minced garlic infuses a fragrant depth to the marinade. If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add more!
2 shallots, minced: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter onion flavor compared to regular onions.
0.5 cup olive oil: Olive oil contributes healthy fats and keeps the chicken luxuriously moist. Light olive oil can be an alternative.
2 tablespoons brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a touch of caramel flavor; you can substitute with honey for a natural sweetener.
0.5 teaspoon salt and 0.5 teaspoon black pepper: Essential for enhancing the chicken’s flavor.
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary: Fresh herbs bring brightness; however, dried rosemary works as a substitute in a pinch.
1 tablespoon dried parsley: While not essential, it adds a hint of earthiness and color.
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: This adds a delightful heat—adjust according to your tolerance!
2 tablespoons honey for glaze: Honey brings the glaze to life with sweetness. Maple syrup can be a suitable alternative for a different flavor.

How to Make Healthy Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze

Zest and Juice: Begin by zesting all the citrus fruits; this step captures those flavorful oils. Juice the oranges, lemons, and limes, collecting everything in a large mixing bowl. The vibrant colors and aromas will surely encourage your taste buds to get excited!

Combine Marinade: To the citrus juices, add minced garlic, shallots, olive oil, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, fresh rosemary, dried parsley, and red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together until the sugar has dissolved, creating a beautiful marinade that’s bursting with flavor.

Prep Chicken: To ensure even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness or butterfly them in half. This will help them grill perfectly while retaining juiciness. Don’t forget to reserve half of the marinade in a separate container—this will be turned into your glaze later.

Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, and pour the remaining marinade over the top. Seal or cover tightly and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, although up to 4 hours in the refrigerator is ideal for maximum flavor infusion.

Prepare Glaze: While the chicken marinates, combine the reserved marinade with 2 tablespoons of honey in a small saucepan. Bring it to a low simmer over medium heat and cook for about 5-6 minutes or until it’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Set it aside to cool; the glaze will be the perfect finishing touch!

Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. To prevent sticking, brush the grill grates with oil. The grill is a great way to infuse that smoky flavor!

Grill Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off, and place it on the hot grill. Grill each side for about 6-7 minutes, turning until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. That’s when you know it’s done!

Glaze and Finish: With just 1-2 minutes left to go, brush the chicken with the honey-citrus glaze using a basting brush. This creates a beautiful caramelized finish and an irresistible flavor.

Rest and Serve: Once off the grill, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is perfect.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers, allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before sealing it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze grilled chicken for up to 3 months; just ensure it’s sealed well to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Keep an eye on the grilling time; check the internal temperature to avoid overcooking.
Allow the chicken to marinate long enough for the flavors to penetrate; don’t skip on this step!
If the glaze thickens too much while cooking, whisk in a small amount of water to loosen it.
Consider adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for extra umami in your marinade.
Experiment with different herbs or spices based on your preference, like thyme or paprika, to switch up the flavor profile.
This dish is great for meal prep; make extra and enjoy it on salads or wraps throughout the week.

There’s nothing like indulging in a vibrant, delicious meal packed with flavor. Healthy Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze is not only easy to make but also feels special enough for your next gathering. Set aside some tonight to marinate, and let the bold natural flavors shine through. Try pairing it with your favorite sides for a complete, satisfying meal. Your taste buds will thank you.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Certainly! If using frozen chicken, it’s best to thaw them first in the refrigerator overnight, ensuring even cooking. Marinate after thawing for optimum flavor infusion.

How can I make this recipe without grilling?

If you don’t have access to a grill, you can easily cook the chicken in a grill pan on the stovetop. Just follow the same grilling instructions over medium-high heat. Alternatively, bake in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, brushing with glaze toward the end.

What should I serve with grilled citrus chicken?

This chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! Consider serving it alongside a light salad, quinoa, or grilled vegetables for a healthy meal. It also goes great with rice or roasted potatoes.

Can I use other citrus fruits?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in different citrus fruits like grapefruit or tangerines for a diverse flavor profile. Each variety will bring its unique twist to your healthy grilled citrus chicken.