This Easy Citrus Dijon Grilled Chicken is a fantastic blend of zesty flavors! With fresh citrus juice and a touch of Dijon mustard, it’s both bright and tangy.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe. If you’re looking for alternatives, chicken thighs are juicier and work well too!
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice makes a big difference in flavor. If you’re in a pinch, bottled juice will do, but fresh is best!
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. You can use lime juice instead for a different twist or if you have it on hand.
Dijon Mustard: This adds a nice tang. Yellow mustard can be used as a substitute in a pinch, but it won’t have the same flavor depth.
Herbs: I love using fresh herbs like thyme and oregano. If you only have dried herbs, just use one-third of the amount since dried is stronger!
How Do I Marinate the Chicken to Get Maximum Flavor?
Marinating the chicken is key to infusing flavors. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix your marinade well to combine flavors.
- Ensure each chicken breast is well coated. This helps in extracting the juice and flavors into the meat.
- For best results, let it marinate for 1-2 hours. If short on time, 30 minutes will still make a difference!
Remember, the longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more flavorful it becomes. Just don’t go beyond 24 hours, as the acidity can change the texture of the chicken.
Easy Citrus Dijon Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 tsp dried oregano)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Citrus slices (orange, lemon, lime) for garnish
- Fresh herbs for garnish (thyme, oregano, or parsley)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and at least 30 minutes to marinate. The total cooking time on the grill is around 15 minutes. So, if you let it marinate for 1-2 hours, you can have a delicious meal ready in about 1.5 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined. This tangy mixture will infuse all the flavors into the chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally for 1-2 hours for the best flavor.
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and the chicken is nicely charred and cooked through.
5. Let It Rest:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps retain the juices and keeps the chicken tender.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Slice the grilled chicken and serve it on a plate, garnished with slices of orange, lemon, and lime, along with fresh herbs for a colorful presentation. Enjoy!
Enjoy the bright, tangy, and savory flavors of this easy citrus Dijon grilled chicken that’s perfect for a simple yet flavorful meal!
FAQ for Easy Citrus Dijon Grilled Chicken
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use bone-in chicken, but the cooking time will increase. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Citrus Juice?
If fresh citrus juice isn’t available, bottled juice will work, but it should be 100% juice without added sugars or preservatives to maintain flavor integrity.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it completely in the fridge before reheating!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken the night before and keep it in the fridge. This way, it’ll be ready to grill when you are. Just remember to let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking.
