Citrus chicken marinade with orange and lime juice, zest, garlic, and spices infuses flavor in 2 hours, then grills in 10 minutes.
I’ve made this citrus chicken breast marinade again and again for summer grilling, and the orange-and-lime combo is what makes it so good. Orange juice adds sweetness, lime keeps it bright and tangy, and 2 hours gives the chicken great flavor without changing the texture.
Table of contents
- Why Orange and Lime Make the Best Citrus Chicken Marinade
- Ingredient Notes
- How to Make Citrus Chicken Marinade
- How Long to Marinate Chicken Breasts
- Tips For Juicy Grilled Chicken
- How to Cook Citrus Marinated Chicken
- FAQ
- Storage and Reheating
- What to Serve with Citrus Grilled Chicken
- Other Grilled Chicken Recipes
Why Orange and Lime Make the Best Citrus Chicken Marinade
This grilled chicken marinade recipe is a definite winner! The acid in the orange and lime juices breaks down the chicken proteins, so it grills up tender and juicy! The citrus flavors also add a zesty “sweet & sour” tang that boosts the chicken’s flavor like nothing else! And citrus chicken is SO versatile, just go ahead and grill up extra to use in a tropical chicken salad recipe, a spicy orange stir-fry, or a fresh grilled chicken lunch wrap!
Ingredient Notes
Chicken: Boneless chicken breasts are the focus here. Use thin-cut breasts, butterfly them, or pound them to an even thickness so they cook evenly and stay juicy. This marinade also works with chicken thighs or tenders, but you’ll want to adjust the cook time based on the size and thickness.
Fruit: Fresh orange juice and zest add natural sweetness and a bright citrus aroma, while lime juice and zest bring the tang that balances everything out.
Oil: Vegetable oil helps coat the chicken, carry the seasonings, and keep lean chicken breast from drying out on the grill.
Seasoning: Garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper add savory flavor, so the marinade tastes balanced rather than just sweet and tart.
Garnish: Serve the grilled chicken with orange or lime slices and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
How to Make Citrus Chicken Marinade
To make this citrus chicken marinade, first mix the juices, zest, oil, and seasonings, then let the chicken marinate in it before it hits the grill.
- Whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, lime juice, lime zest, oil, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken breasts to a large zip-top bag and pour the marinade over the top.
- Seal the bag and move the chicken around until each piece is coated. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Grill over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes per side, flipping once, until the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Transfer to a platter, garnish with orange or lime slices and parsley, and serve warm.
How Long to Marinate Chicken Breasts
For the best flavor and texture, marinate citrus chicken breasts for at least 2 hours and up to 6 hours. That gives the orange and lime juice time to flavor the chicken without making the outside too soft. Two hours works great when you’re planning dinner the same day, but don’t let it sit overnight since citrus can change the texture of the meat.
Tips For Juicy Grilled Chicken
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook evenly and stay juicy on the grill.
- Use an instant-read thermometer and pull the chicken from the grill as soon as it reaches 165°F in the thickest part.
- Look for light char marks and chicken that feels firm but still springy. If it looks dry or feels rubbery, it may be overcooked.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling so the juices settle before slicing.
- For a sweeter finish, add a little honey to the marinade.
How to Cook Citrus Marinated Chicken
You can cook citrus-marinated chicken on the grill, in the oven, or in a skillet, so this recipe works even when grilling plans change.
- Grill: Cook over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes per side, flipping once, until cooked through.
- Skillet: Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes total, flipping once, until the chicken is no longer pink and reaches 165°F.
- Oven: Bake at 400°F for 20-24 minutes, depending on the chicken’s thickness.
FAQ
Dry chicken usually comes from overcooking or uneven thickness. Pound the chicken so it cooks evenly, and use a thermometer to pull it at 165°F. Chicken thighs are a more forgiving option if you’re new to grilling.
You can, but lemon has a sharper flavor. Lime pairs better with orange for a balanced citrus taste.
Yes! It works great with thighs or tenders. Just adjust the cook time based on the size and thickness
No. Discard any marinade that touched raw chicken. If you want to baste or drizzle, set some aside before adding the chicken.
Yes. Mix the marinade and store it in the fridge for up to 1 to 2 days. Add the chicken when you’re ready to start marinating.
Yes. Freeze the chicken in the marinade, then thaw overnight in the fridge. Cook soon after thawing so the texture stays firm and juicy.
*This post originally posted on 07/10/2019.
Citrus Chicken Breast Marinade Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (1 orange)
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons lime zest (2 limes)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 4 large chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- orange and lime slices for garnish
Method
- Whisk together 1/2 cup orange juice1 tablespoon orange zest, 1/4 cup lime juice, 2 tablespoons lime zest, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 4 cloves garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika in a large mixing bowl.
- Place 4 large chicken breasts in a gallon-sized ziptop bag. Pour in the marinade. Seal the bag and work the marinade over the chicken. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (up to 6 hours).
- Preheat the grill. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, flipping once. Check to ensure chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the chicken to a serving plate. Garnish with orange and lime slices and fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Aubrey’s Tips
- I like to use thin-cut chicken breasts or butterfly regular chicken breasts in half to cut down on cooking time. They’ll need about 3 to 4 minutes per side.
- Do not marinate longer than 6 hours. The citrus juice can start to break down the chicken and make the outside texture mushy.
- This marinade also works with chicken thighs or tenders. Adjust the cook time as needed and always cook chicken to 165 degrees F.
- You can bake this chicken for about 24 minutes at 400 degrees F or cook it in a large skillet over medium heat for about 10 minutes, flipping once.
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Storage and Reheating
Store leftover citrus chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s great sliced for salads, wraps, or bowls throughout the week.
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in the microwave or in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to keep the chicken from drying out.
What to Serve with Citrus Grilled Chicken
Tortellini Pasta Salad with fresh summer veggies and a zesty dressing is the perfect side for grilled chicken!
A little cooking spray, some garlic salt, and this Easy Grilled Asparagus is ready to toss on the grill with the chicken – tender and tasty!
Other Grilled Chicken Recipes
If you’re firing up the grill, here are a few more easy recipes to add to the menu.
- Grilled Honey Lime Chicken
- Hawaiian Grilled Salmon Filets
- Apricot Glazed Grilled Pork Chops
- Grilled Figs with Goat Cheese
- Tequila Lime Grilled Chicken
- Grilled Orange Rosemary Salmon
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