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To make the best marinated grilled chicken, you need some key ingredients. Here is what you will need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/4 cup olive oil - Juice and zest of 2 lemons - Juice and zest of 1 orange - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients blend well to create a bright and zesty flavor. The olive oil adds richness, while the citrus gives it a fresh kick. Honey and Dijon mustard bring a sweet and tangy balance. You will also need some tools to prepare and cook your chicken: - Mixing bowl - Whisk - Resealable plastic bag or shallow dish - Grill Using a bowl and whisk helps mix the marinade evenly. A bag or dish is great for soaking the chicken. The grill brings everything together with that smoky flavor we all love. For the full recipe, check out the full recipe section. To start, you need to make the marinade. In a mixing bowl, combine: - 1/4 cup olive oil - Juice and zest of 2 lemons - Juice and zest of 1 orange - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste Whisk these together until smooth. Next, take four boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated well. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but overnight works best for deeper flavor. While your chicken marinates, get your grill ready. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. This step is key for achieving that perfect sear. Make sure your grill grates are clean. You can use a grill brush to remove any leftover bits from past meals. Clean grates help prevent sticking and ensure nice grill marks. Now it’s time to grill! Remove the chicken from the marinade. Let any excess marinade drip off. Discard the leftover marinade to avoid any food safety issues. Place the chicken on the grill. Grill each side for 6-8 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken's internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat. Once done, take the chicken off the grill. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices inside. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions to guide your cooking journey! To keep your chicken from sticking to the grill, oil the grates well. Use a paper towel soaked in oil and tongs to wipe the grates before you start. This simple step makes a big difference. Let the chicken rest for five minutes after grilling. This helps the juices stay in the meat, making it more tender. You can add more flavor to your marinade by mixing in spices or herbs. Try adding smoked paprika for a smoky taste or fresh thyme for a bright note. You can also switch up the citrus flavors by using lime or grapefruit. Each offers a unique twist on the dish. Marinated grilled chicken pairs well with fresh salads or grilled veggies. Serve it sliced on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. Add wedges of lemon and orange for a burst of color. This not only looks great but also enhances the flavor with each bite. For a complete meal, serve with rice or quinoa. For the full recipe, check out Zesty Citrus Marinated Grilled Chicken. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your chicken by using different fruits. For example, you can use limes or grapefruits instead of lemons and oranges. This switch adds a fresh twist. You can also mix in some pineapple juice for a sweeter taste. To add some heat, try mixing in spicy ingredients. A dash of hot sauce can bring excitement to your meal. You can also use chili flakes or minced jalapeños to give it a kick. These changes can make your dish fun and new. If you want to cook indoors, baking is a great choice. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake for about 25-30 minutes. Check the chicken's temperature to ensure it’s safe to eat. You can also use skewers to grill your chicken. Cut the chicken into cubes and thread them onto the skewers. This method allows for even cooking and makes for a fun presentation. Just remember to soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning. You can make this dish healthier by choosing low-fat options. Use skinless chicken breasts and cut back on the oil. You can also swap honey for a sugar-free sweetener to lower the sugar content. For gluten-free options, make sure your mustard is gluten-free. Most mustard is fine, but checking labels is smart. If you want a dairy-free version, you’re in luck! This recipe already does not use dairy. Enjoy your meal without any worries! For the full recipe, check out the Zesty Citrus Marinated Grilled Chicken . To keep your grilled chicken fresh, place it in an airtight container. This helps maintain moisture. You can refrigerate it for up to four days. If you notice any off smells or changes in color, it’s best to toss it. For long-term storage, freeze your marinated chicken. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This will prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight or use the microwave on low power. To reheat grilled chicken without drying it out, use the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and add a splash of broth or water. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can also slice leftover chicken and add it to salads, wraps, or stir-fries for quick meals. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe. For the best flavor, you should marinate chicken for at least 1 hour. If you have more time, aim for 4 to 6 hours. For maximum taste, marinate overnight. Just remember, too long can make the chicken mushy. Yes, chicken thighs work great! They stay moist and have rich flavor. Adjust the cooking time since thighs take a bit longer. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. If you're out of olive oil, use canola or vegetable oil. For Dijon mustard, yellow mustard is a fine substitute. If you lack fresh garlic, garlic powder works, too. Just use 1/8 teaspoon for each clove. These swaps keep the flavor strong! Check the full recipe for more ideas. In this article, I covered how to make a great chicken marinade and grill it perfectly. You learned about the key ingredients, needed equipment, and step-by-step grilling instructions. I also shared tips, flavor variations, and storage methods to keep your grilled chicken fresh. Remember, the right marinade and cooking method can transform your meals. With these tips, you can enjoy tender, juicy chicken every time. Now, it's time to gather your ingredients and get grilling!

Easy Marinated Grilled Chicken

Elevate your grilling game with this zesty citrus marinated grilled chicken recipe! Bursting with the vibrant flavors of lemon and orange, this dish is sure to impress. Simply marinate the chicken and grill to perfection for an easy, delicious meal. Perfect for summer barbecues or weeknight dinners, this recipe includes simple steps to guarantee juicy, flavorful chicken every time. Click through to explore the full recipe and discover tips for the perfect presentation!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/4 cup olive oil

Juice and zest of 2 lemons

Juice and zest of 1 orange

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and zest, orange juice and zest, minced garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.

    Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.

      Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.

        Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

          Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Discard the leftover marinade.

            Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.

              Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken sliced on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, and wedges of lemon and orange for a pop of color. Pair with a fresh side salad or grilled vegetables.