This grilled chicken is bursting with zingy citrus flavors and a tasty Dijon kick. Best part? It’s a breeze to whip up, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
When I make this, I usually toss in a side of veggies to keep things colorful and fun. Who knew healthy could be this delicious? It’s a winner for sure! 🍗✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless are the best for quick grilling. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey cutlets work well too. You can also use bone-in chicken for more flavor, just adjust the cooking time.
Dijon Mustard: This adds a nice tang to the marinade. If you prefer a milder flavor, use yellow mustard. For a spicier kick, try whole grain mustard or add a touch of horseradish!
Citrus Juices: Freshly squeezed juices, like lemon, lime, and orange, really brighten up the chicken. If you have bottled juice at home, that’s fine too! Just make sure it’s 100% juice without added sugar.
Oregano: Dried oregano is a go-to, but if you have fresh oregano or other herbs like thyme or parsley, feel free to use those for a fresh flavor boost!
How Can I Ensure My Chicken Is Juicy and Flavorful?
The key to juicy grilled chicken is in the marinating process. Allow your chicken to soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes, but giving it a few hours or overnight is even better. This helps the flavors penetrate and keeps the chicken moist during grilling.
- Start by mixing all marinade ingredients well. The acid from the citrus juices helps tenderize the chicken.
- Make sure the chicken is fully coated in the marinade. A resealable bag works best, as it can easily coat all sides.
- Preheat your grill to the right temperature, and avoid flipping the chicken too soon; let it sit for those first 5-7 minutes for good grill marks.
These simple tips will help you achieve perfectly grilled chicken every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Citrus Dijon Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon slices, lime slices, and orange slices for garnish
- Fresh herbs (such as oregano or thyme) for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus a minimum of 30 minutes for marinating (ideally 2-4 hours) and about 15 minutes for grilling, resulting in a total time of approximately 55 minutes. The wait for marinating ensures your chicken is flavorful and juicy, so it’s worth the time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. This creates a tasty marinade that will infuse your chicken with citrusy goodness.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Put the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure all the sides are coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for more flavor!).
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to help prevent the chicken from sticking.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Once marinated, take the chicken out of the fridge and let excess marinade drip off. Discard any leftover marinade. Place the chicken on the hot grill. Grill for about 5-7 minutes on one side without moving the chicken, then flip and grill for another 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Let It Rest:
After the chicken is grilled to perfection, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices settle, keeping the chicken moist.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the grilled chicken garnished with lemon, lime, and orange slices along with fresh herbs. Pair it with your favorite side salad or grilled vegetables for a delightful meal.
Enjoy your juicy, tangy, and tender citrus Dijon grilled chicken!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Bone-in Chicken Instead of Boneless?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken can add extra flavor. Just be aware that cooking times will need to be adjusted; it may take a bit longer to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Consider grilling them for about 10-12 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness.
How Can I Marinate Chicken Overnight?
Marinating overnight improves the flavor greatly! Just follow the same steps for the marinade and refrigerate the chicken in a sealed bag or covered dish. However, avoid marinating for more than 24 hours, as the acidity can start to break down the chicken too much.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it moist when reheating, use a splash of water or broth in the microwave, and cover it with a damp paper towel.
Can I Cook This Chicken in the Oven Instead of Grilling?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until it reaches the internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This is a great option if the weather isn’t suitable for grilling!
