When I think of sunny afternoons and the joy of outdoor cooking, this Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe instantly comes to mind. I first tried a version of this dish during a trip through Southern California, where fresh citrus grows in abundance and grilling is practically a way of life.

The combination of zesty oranges, lemons, and limes perfectly captures the bright, coastal flavors of the Mediterranean, but with that signature American backyard barbecue charm. It’s fresh, vibrant, and bursting with sunshine in every bite an ideal meal to celebrate warm weather and outdoor gatherings.

Ingredients

Here are the key ingredients you’ll need to bring this bright and zesty chicken to life. Using fresh, quality components is what makes all the difference.

1 ½ – 2 pounds chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly here, but any cut of chicken will do.
1 cup fresh orange juice – For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed juice, not the stuff from a carton.
1 tablespoon Orange zest – Don’t skip the zest! This is where the most potent citrus oils and aroma come from.
1 large lemon, juiced + zested – The lemon adds a bright, tangy counterpoint to the sweet orange.
2 large limes, juiced + zested – Limes bring their own unique zesty kick that rounds out the citrus profile.
4 cloves garlic, minced – Always use fresh garlic for a pungent, aromatic depth that garlic powder can’t match.
2 shallots, minced – Milder and more delicate than onions, shallots add a subtle, sweet aromatic layer.
½ cup olive oil – This helps to bind the marinade and keep the chicken moist on the grill.
2 tablespoons brown sugar – A little sweetness to balance the acidity of the citrus.
½ teaspoon salt & ½ teaspoon pepper – Essential for seasoning the chicken from the inside out.
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary – Adds a wonderful, piney fragrance that pairs beautifully with citrus and grilled chicken.
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes – This is optional, but it provides a gentle warmth to the marinade.
2 tablespoons honey – This is for the glaze, adding sweetness and helping it thicken.

Note: This recipe makes enough for several servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.

Variations

This recipe is fantastic as is, but you can easily adapt it to your preferences.

Different Cuts of Chicken: While I used chicken breasts, this marinade and glaze are excellent on chicken thighs, drumsticks, or even wings. Just adjust the grilling time accordingly.
Herb Variations: If you’re not a fan of rosemary, fresh thyme or oregano would also be delicious substitutes in the marinade.
Spicier Kick: For those who like more heat, add a finely chopped jalapeño or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade.
Make it Paleo: To make this recipe paleo-friendly, simply omit the brown sugar and use all honey for the glaze, ensuring it’s used in moderation.

Cooking Time

This flavorful dish comes together in about an hour, making it a great choice for a sunny afternoon or a weeknight meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes (plus at least 30 minutes for marinating)
Total Time: 1 hour

Equipment You Need

You won’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe, just some basic kitchen and grilling tools.

Grill: A gas or charcoal grill will work perfectly to get those beautiful char marks.
Meat Thermometer: This is the most reliable way to ensure your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Zester or Microplane: Essential for getting all that flavorful zest from the citrus fruits.
Small Saucepan: You’ll need this to reduce the marinade and honey into a thick, delicious glaze.

How to Make Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe?

This recipe is all about building layers of bright, fresh flavor, starting with a powerful marinade and finishing with a sweet and tangy glaze. The process is simple and results in perfectly juicy, flavorful chicken every time.

Prepare the Marinade

The magic of this dish begins with the marinade. Start by zesting and juicing your orange, lemon, and limes into a medium-sized bowl. The zest is crucial as it contains the most concentrated citrus oils and flavor. To the juice and zest, add the minced garlic and shallots, olive oil, brown sugar, salt, pepper, fresh rosemary, and red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined. The aroma alone will tell you you’re on the right track.

Marinate the Chicken

Before adding the chicken, you need to set some of the marinade aside for the glaze. Pour about half of the marinade into a small saucepan—this will be your glaze base. Now, take your chicken breasts and add them to the remaining marinade in the bowl, or transfer it all to a resealable bag. Make sure the chicken is fully coated. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than two hours, as the acid can start to make the chicken mushy.

Make the Citrus Glaze

While the chicken is marinating, you can prepare the glaze. Take the saucepan with the reserved marinade and add the two tablespoons of honey. Give it a good stir and place it over low heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. The glaze will thicken slightly and should be able to coat the back of a spoon. Once thickened, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool.

Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the hot grill. Grill for about 6-7 minutes per side. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; it should read 165°F at the thickest part. During the last minute or two of cooking, brush the citrus glaze generously over both sides of the chicken. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.

🇺🇸 California, USA: The Land of Citrus and Sunshine

In the heart of Southern California, citrus is more than just fruit—it’s part of the region’s identity. With endless groves of oranges, lemons, and limes stretching across the valleys, this area is famous for its bright, sun-kissed flavors that inspire dishes like Grilled Citrus Chicken. The warm coastal climate and outdoor cooking culture make California the perfect place to enjoy grilled meals infused with fresh, tangy marinades that celebrate both nature and flavor.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

I’ve grilled this chicken countless times, and here are a few personal tips I’ve picked up along the way.

I always pound my chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and prevents the thinner parts from drying out while the thicker parts are still cooking. It makes a huge difference.
Don’t be tempted to marinate the chicken overnight. I learned the hard way that the citrus acid will break down the chicken and give it a weird, tough texture. 30 minutes is good, an hour is great, but don’t push it past two hours.
I save a little bit of the finished glaze to drizzle over the chicken right before serving. It adds an extra layer of fresh, sweet, and tangy flavor that really makes the dish pop.
Resting the chicken is non-negotiable for me. Letting it sit for 5-10 minutes after grilling allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a much more tender and moist piece of meat.

How to Serve Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze?

In Southern California and the Mediterranean coast, citrus-marinated meats are a beloved tradition that reflects the region’s sunny climate and love for fresh produce. Serving this chicken with roasted vegetables, couscous, or grilled flatbreads pays homage to these culinary roots.

For an authentic travel-inspired touch, pair it with a glass of chilled white wine or fresh lemonade while enjoying a breezy outdoor meal surrounded by family and friends just like locals do along the citrus-filled coasts of Spain, Italy, and California.

Nutritional Information

Here are the estimated nutritional facts for one serving of the grilled citrus chicken.

Calories: 811 kcal
Protein: 86g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Fat: 38g

Make Ahead and Storage

This chicken is great for meal prep, and the leftovers are delicious. Here’s how to store it properly.

Storing: Allow the leftover chicken to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days.

Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken for later. Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container and it will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating: The best way to reheat this chicken without drying it out is in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth. You can also microwave it in short bursts until just warmed through.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

You’re going to want to make this grilled citrus chicken all season long for so many reasons.

Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of fresh citrus juices and zest creates a marinade that infuses the chicken with bright, tangy, and slightly sweet notes that are simply irresistible.
Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this dish comes together in about an hour, with most of that time being hands-off marinating. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special.
Perfect for Grilling: This recipe is a fantastic way to celebrate grilling season. The high heat of the grill adds a smoky char that perfectly complements the fresh citrus flavors.
Versatile Leftovers: Leftover chicken is delicious cold in salads, sliced in sandwiches or wraps, or simply reheated for another meal. It’s a great recipe for weekly meal prep.

Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze Recipe

Ingredients

Variations

Cooking Time

Equipment You Need