Spicy Grilled Citrus Chicken
Spicy grilled citrus chicken features zesty marinades with orange, lemon, and lime, offering a tangy, spicy flavor profile perfect for summer barbecues and flavorful gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 can frozen orange juice, thawed
- 1/2 cup canned tomato puree
- 1/4 cup honey ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon minced orange zest ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon minced lemon zest ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon minced lime zest
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice ⓘ
- 4 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 6 chicken breasts, skinless and boneless ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except chicken in a bowl.
- Add chicken and turn to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Boil marinade for 1 minute.
- After the chicken has cooked for 5 minutes on the grill, spoon marinade over the chicken.
- Grill and baste, turning every 5 minutes for about 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, consider adding a splash of hot sauce to the marinade. If you don't have fresh citrus, you can use bottled juice, but fresh is always best for flavor. You can also substitute chicken thighs for breasts for a juicier result. Make sure to marinate for the full 24 hours for maximum flavor absorption.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spicy grilled citrus chicken with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh green salad for a light meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Macaroni Bake for a hearty dinner. You can also serve it over rice or quinoa, drizzling some of the reserved marinade for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover grilled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also slice it cold and add to a salad or pasta dish for a refreshing meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Grilled Citrus Chicken contains roughly 58 calories, with 4g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1308mg per serving (57% of the Daily Value).
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 a different type of citrus juice?
Yes, you can substitute the orange juice with grapefruit or tangerine juice for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the sweetness level may vary, so you might want to adjust the honey accordingly.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add more cayenne pepper or incorporate chopped fresh jalapeños into the marinade. Additionally, serve the chicken with a spicy dipping sauce or hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy extra heat.
Can I grill the chicken indoors?
Yes, you can use a grill pan or an electric indoor grill if outdoor grilling isn't an option. Make sure to preheat the pan and cook the chicken over medium-high heat, basting frequently to keep it moist and flavorful.
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).