Aunt Eileen'S Lemon-Lime Chicken

Prep: 180 min Cook: 8 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

Juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated in a tangy lemon-lime mustard sauce, perfect for summer barbecues or quick weeknight dinners with bold citrus flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 6 small chicken breasts
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons grainy mustard
  • 1/4 cup cider vinegar
  • 1 lime
  • 1/2 large lemon
  • 6 tablespoons olive oil
  • pepper

Instructions

  1. Place chicken breasts in a shallow bowl.
  2. Mix garlic, salt, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, lime juice, lemon juice, and pepper until well blended.
  3. Whisk in olive oil.
  4. Pour marinade over chicken breasts, cover, and refrigerate overnight or for several hours.
  5. Remove chicken from refrigerator an hour before cooking to bring to room temperature.
  6. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
  7. Grill chicken for 4 minutes on each side or until cooked through, being careful not to overcook.
  8. Alternatively, cook under the broiler for the same amount of time.

Tips & Substitutions

For even more flavor, try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the marinade. If you're short on time, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is best. You can substitute honey for brown sugar for a different sweetness or use white vinegar if cider vinegar is unavailable.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Aunt Eileen's Lemon-Lime Chicken with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for a light meal. It pairs beautifully with Grilled Chicken Summer Salad, making it perfect for warm weather dining. Consider adding a side of rice or quinoa to soak up any extra marinade.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it on low power, but be careful not to dry it out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Aunt Eileen'S Lemon-Lime Chicken contains roughly 421 calories, with 22g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1280mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).

421 kcal 21% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 21.8g 44% DV
Total Fat 25.7g 33% DV
Carbs 25.8g 9% DV
Fiber 0.3g 1% DV
Sugar 19.9g 40% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1279.6mg 56% DV
Potassium 326mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 64mg 21% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 25.4mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 1.9mg 2% DV
Vitamin D 0.4mcg 2% DV
Calcium 37.5mg 3% DV
Iron 1.9mg 11% DV
Diet fit High-protein

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bone-in chicken pieces for this recipe?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces, but be aware that cooking times will vary. Bone-in pieces will require longer on the grill or under the broiler to ensure they are fully cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Is it possible to cook this chicken in the oven?

Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 375°F and place the marinated chicken in a baking dish. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. This method keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before grilling or baking for the best results.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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