This Citrus Dijon Grilled Chicken is full of tangy goodness! With fresh citrus juices and zesty Dijon mustard, it brings a bright flavor to your meal.
Marinating the chicken makes it juicy and tasty. Trust me, your neighbors will wonder what’s cooking when you fire up the grill! 🍗
I love how simple this marinade is—just mix it up and let the chicken soak for a while. It’s perfect for a sunny day BBQ or a quick weeknight dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe as they stay moist on the grill. If you prefer dark meat, feel free to use thighs instead; they have a richer flavor.
Dijon Mustard: This adds a lovely tanginess. If you want a milder flavor, you can substitute yellow mustard, or for a spicier kick, try whole grain mustard.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to for flavor, but you can use any neutral oil like canola or avocado oil if you prefer.
Orange Juice and Zest: Freshly squeezed orange juice enhances the flavor. If oranges aren’t available, use tangerine or clementine juice. Bottled juice can work too in a pinch, just check for added sugars.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and helps caramelization. Maple syrup is a great alternative for a different flavor, or you can skip it if you’re watching sugar intake.
Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary shine here. If you don’t have fresh, dried herbs work perfectly fine, just use half the amount to avoid overpowering the marinade.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Stays Juicy on the Grill?
Keeping chicken juicy can be challenging, but marinating is key! Here’s how to make sure your chicken stays tender:
- Use a good marinade—enough acidity from the citrus helps break down proteins and tenderizes the meat.
- Marinate the chicken at least 1 hour, but overnight is best for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Preheat the grill properly to medium-high; this helps sear the chicken and lock in juices.
- Grill for 6-7 minutes on each side, but watch the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling. Resting allows juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Citrus Dijon Grilled Chicken Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and at least 1 hour for marinating. If you have time, letting the chicken marinate overnight will give it even more flavor. The actual grilling will take about 12-14 minutes. So, plan for a total of at least 1 hour and 15 minutes to enjoy your delicious Citrus Dijon Grilled Chicken!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
Start by grabbing a medium bowl for your marinade. In this bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, olive oil, freshly squeezed orange juice, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, black pepper, and the zests of both the orange and lemon. Mix it all together until everything is well combined and smooth.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Next, take your chicken breasts and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the yummy marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is nicely coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. If you can, let it marinate overnight for even more delicious flavor!
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off (be sure to discard the remaining marinade). Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. You want to grill it until it’s nice and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), and there’s no pink in the center.
4. Rest and Serve:
Once your chicken is grilled to perfection, take it off the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy! After resting, slice the chicken and serve it up with some extra citrus slices and fresh herbs if you’d like. Enjoy your tasty Citrus Dijon Grilled Chicken!
Can I Use Different Types of Mustard?
Absolutely! While Dijon mustard gives a nice tangy flavor, you can substitute with yellow mustard for a milder taste or spicy brown mustard for added heat. Just keep in mind that the flavor of the marinade will change slightly depending on the type of mustard used.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for a minimum of 1 hour, but for the best flavor, aim for 6-12 hours. If you prefer, you can even marinate it overnight! Just make sure not to exceed 24 hours, as the acidity from the citrus can start to break down the chicken too much, resulting in a mushy texture.
Can I Grill This Chicken Indoors?
Yes, you can use an indoor grill pan or a grill skillet on the stove. Preheat the pan over medium-high heat and make sure to lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking. Grill the chicken the same way as you would on an outdoor grill, checking for the internal temperature to reach 165°F (75°C).
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the chicken in a resealable bag for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and freezer burn!
