This Citrus Dijon Grilled Chicken marinade brings a burst of flavor with fresh citrus and zesty Dijon mustard. It’s perfect for making your chicken juicy and delicious on the grill!
I love how easy this marinade is to whip up. Just mix, pour over chicken, and let it soak. It makes me feel like a gourmet chef without the fancy restaurant price tag! 😊
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the foundation here. You could use thighs for more moisture or even a plant-based substitute like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
Dijon Mustard: This gives a tangy flavor. If you prefer something milder, yellow mustard works too. For a spicy kick, try whole grain mustard instead!
Fresh Citrus Juices: Orange and lemon juice add fresh flavor. If fresh isn’t an option, bottled juice works, but I recommend fresh for a brighter taste. You can also mix in grapefruit juice for a different twist.
Honey: This adds sweetness. If you’re looking for a vegan alternative, agave syrup or maple syrup can be used instead.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for flavor. If you don’t have fresh, use garlic powder—1/8 teaspoon per clove should suffice.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Is Juicy and Flavorful?
The key to juicy chicken is not just the marinade but also how you cook it! Marinating for at least an hour (up to overnight) lets flavors soak in deeply while keeping the meat tender.
- After marinating, let the chicken sit out for about 15 min before grilling. This helps it cook evenly.
- Make sure your grill is hot! A medium-high heat will give nice grill marks and lock in juices.
- Avoid flipping too often! Let it cook for 6-7 minutes on one side before turning to ensure a nice sear.
Finally, resting the chicken for about 5 minutes after grilling is crucial. It allows the juices to redistribute, giving you that tender bite you want!
How to Make Citrus Dijon Grilled Chicken?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional)
For Serving:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the marinade and chicken, plus at least 1 hour to marinate (or longer for best flavor). Grilling the chicken will take about 15 minutes. In total, plan for around 1 hour and 30 minutes to 4 hours if you marinate longer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, fresh orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme (if using). Make sure everything is nicely blended!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and put it in the fridge. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour—4 hours or overnight would be even better to soak up all those delicious flavors.
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Place the chicken on the hot grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on one side. Flip the chicken and grill for another 6-7 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
4. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy! Slice the grilled chicken and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great with this marinade and will be even juicier. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as they might take an extra 1-2 minutes per side to cook through. Ensure they still reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Citrus Juice?
No worries! You can use bottled lemon and orange juice as a substitute, though fresh juice will offer a brighter flavor. Just make sure to use the same measurements. The marinade will still turn out delicious!
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Yes, marinating the chicken overnight is a fantastic way to enhance the flavors! Just ensure it’s well covered in the marinade to prevent it from drying out. If you’re busy, you can also prepare the marinade earlier in the day and let the chicken soak while you go about your routine.
How Should I Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it in the microwave or on a skillet, adding a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist.
