Description
Citrus grilled chicken brings together juicy chicken breasts marinated in fresh lemon, lime, and orange juice that keeps the meat tender while infusing it with tangy flavor. Grilling gives you those beautiful char marks and a smoky taste that pairs perfectly with the brightness of the citrus, making this an easy weeknight dinner your family returns to again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Marinade and Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- olive oil for grilling
Instructions
- Combine your 2 pounds of chicken breasts or thighs with 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, the juice from one orange, 3 to 4 tablespoons of chopped rosemary, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a zip-top bag.
- Leave your chicken to marinate at room temperature for 45 minutes, allowing the citrus and herbs to work into the meat.
- Heat your grill so one side reaches high temperature while the other stays at low temperature.
- Remove your chicken from the marinade and pat each piece completely dry with paper towels.
- Coat your dried chicken generously with additional oil, then place it on the hot side of the grill for 3 to 4 minutes until you get a nice sear.
- Flip your chicken to the other side and sear for another 3 to 4 minutes, then transfer the pieces to the cooler side of the grill and close the cover.
- Cook your chicken on the low side for 6 to 8 minutes, checking that the thickest portions reach the proper temperature.
- Test your chicken by pressing the thickest part with your finger; it should spring back quickly if it’s done, or you can cut into the thickest section to verify the meat is no longer pink.
- Transfer your chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before plating and serving.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry after marinating is crucial since excess moisture prevents proper searing and creates steam instead of that golden crust you’re after.
- The two-zone grill setup gives you control-the hot side creates those nice char marks while the cooler side finishes cooking without burning the outside.
- Don’t skip the five-minute rest because it lets the juices redistribute through the meat, keeping each bite tender and flavorful rather than dry.
- For thicker breasts, start checking around eight minutes since cooking time varies based on thickness; thinner pieces finish in half that time, so adjust accordingly to avoid overcooking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes-1 hour
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Category: Grilled Chicken
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 253 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg