Grilled Citrus Chicken
You’ll love this Grilled Citrus Chicken for its bright and zesty flavors, tender texture, and the beautiful char from the grill!It’s an easy yet impressive dish that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro optional, for garnish
- Lemon lime, and orange slices (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade:In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken:Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or 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 30 minutes, preferably 2-4 hours for best flavor. Turn the chicken occasionally to ensure even marination.
- Preheat the Grill:Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C). If using a gas grill, ensure it's well-oiled to prevent sticking. If using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are evenly spread and have a light coating of ash.
- Grill the Chicken:Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard the marinade.Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is nicely charred and cooked through. The cooking time will vary based on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Rest the Chicken:Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve:Garnish the grilled citrus chicken with chopped fresh cilantro and serve with slices of lemon, lime, and orange if desired.
Notes
- Pound the Chicken: For even cooking, consider pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness before marinating.
- Avoid Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to ensure you don’t overcook the chicken, which can make it dry.
- Grill Marks: For nice grill marks, avoid moving the chicken too frequently while it’s cooking.
- Side Dishes: Serve with a side of grilled vegetables, a fresh green salad, or rice pilaf for a complete meal.