There’s something about grilled chicken that just speaks to summer evenings, backyard laughter, and the smell of something incredible wafting through the air. This Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze is one of those dishes that makes everyone gather around the grill a little closer, just to sneak a peek—or a taste—before it’s officially dinnertime.

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I first made this chicken on a warm weekend in early June when citrus fruits were at their peak and the grill was calling. The tangy sweetness of fresh orange and lemon juice combined with a hint of honey and herbs made for the kind of marinade that felt both familiar and exciting. It reminded me of the Mediterranean flavors I grew up loving, with just enough brightness to feel fresh and new.

Over the years, this citrus chicken has become a staple for get-togethers—family BBQs, weekend cookouts with friends, and even simple weeknight dinners where we just want something that tastes like sunshine on a plate. The glaze caramelizes beautifully on the grill, giving the chicken that gorgeous golden color and slightly sticky texture that just begs to be savored.

Whether you’re firing up the grill for a summer celebration or just craving something zesty and comforting, this recipe brings a burst of citrus flavor that feels like a warm hug from your kitchen (or backyard).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Vibrant citrus flavor that’s both refreshing and satisfying
Naturally gluten-free and fits a variety of diets
Easy to prep ahead—the marinade does most of the work for you
Crowd-pleaser for everything from BBQs to weeknight dinners
Beautiful caramelized glaze that’s as tasty as it is pretty

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/3 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Zest of 1 orange
Zest of 1 lemon

HOW TO MAKE GRILLED CITRUS CHICKEN WITH GLAZE:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Make the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, honey, olive oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, and citrus zests. It’s okay if it smells so good you want to dip your finger in—this marinade is pure gold.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal it up and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 6 hours if you’ve got time. The longer it soaks, the deeper that citrusy flavor gets.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Give the grates a quick brush to clean them, and lightly oil them to prevent sticking. A little tip? Rub an oil-soaked paper towel on the grates using tongs—no flare-ups, just clean grilling.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. You’re looking for a lovely char and an internal temp of 165°F.

Step 5: Glaze and Finish
In the last couple of minutes on the grill, brush some of the reserved marinade (that hasn’t touched raw chicken) over the top to create a beautiful sticky glaze. It bubbles up just enough to coat the chicken in a glossy, flavorful finish.

Step 6: Rest and Serve
Transfer the chicken to a platter and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices settle and keeps everything tender and moist. Serve it up with grilled veggies, a light salad, or even some rice pilaf.

HELPFUL TIPS:

Pound the chicken breasts slightly for even cooking—they’ll cook faster and stay juicier.
Don’t skip the zest! It adds a deeper citrus punch than juice alone.
If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a grill pan or cast-iron skillet works beautifully indoors.
You can use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat—they stay super juicy on the grill.
For a hint of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.

DETAILS:

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour marinade time)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

NOTES:

Make sure to reserve a bit of the marinade before adding the chicken if you plan to use it as a glaze.
This chicken also makes excellent leftovers—try it cold in wraps, salads, or sandwiches!

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

(Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 290
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 9g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Marinate the chicken the night before and refrigerate. Just pull it out when you’re ready to grill.

Can I use bottled citrus juice?
Fresh juice is ideal for the best flavor, but in a pinch, bottled will do—just make sure it’s 100% juice with no added sugar.

What sides go best with citrus chicken?
Try grilled corn, a light couscous salad, or roasted sweet potatoes. Something fresh and bright pairs perfectly.

Can I bake this instead of grilling?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F. Broil for the last 2 minutes to caramelize the glaze.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Let any leftover chicken cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or gently warm it in a skillet with a splash of citrus juice to keep it moist.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other citrus-infused or grilled favorites:

CONCLUSION

This Grilled Citrus Chicken with Glaze is one of those recipes that feels simple but tastes like you’ve pulled off something truly special. The citrus brings brightness, the grill adds depth, and the glaze ties it all together in a way that makes people ask for seconds (and thirds). Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a crowd, it’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary evening into a memorable one.