Citrus Chicken Marinade – Dijon Grilled

Citrus Chicken Marinade – This perfect blend of zesty, tangy, and savory flavors with grilling, baking, or pan-searing, this marinade will help you achieve tender, juicy, and incredibly flavorful chicken every single time.

Why a Citrus Chicken Marinade?

Citrus fruits like lemon, lime, and orange are packed with natural acidity, which helps to break down the proteins in the chicken, making it tender and juicy. Additionally, the tangy citrus notes infuse the chicken with bright and refreshing flavors that complement a wide variety of dishes. This marinade also allows you to experiment with different herbs, spices, and even types of citrus, making it incredibly versatile.

Benefits of Using a Citrus Marinade for Chicken:

• Tenderizes the chicken: The acid from citrus breaks down the fibers for a more tender bite.
• Adds flavor: Citrus, combined with garlic, herbs, and spices, creates a flavor explosion.
• Easy and quick to prepare: Just a few minutes of prep, and the marinade does the rest.

Recipe Variations

One of the best things about a citrus chicken marinade is how adaptable it is. Here are a few variations to try:

Mediterranean Citrus Marinade:

• Swap the cilantro for oregano and thyme.
• Add 1 tbsp of red wine vinegar for extra tang.
• Serve with tzatziki sauce or hummus.

Spicy Citrus Marinade:

• Add 1-2 tsp of sriracha or hot sauce.
• Include more red pepper flakes for heat lovers.

Coconut-Lime Marinade:

• Replace half the lime juice with coconut milk.
• Add a touch of fish sauce for a Thai-inspired twist.

Cilantro-Lime Marinade:

• Focus solely on lime juice and cilantro, adding in zest from both for a burst of flavor.

How to Serve Citrus Chicken

This citrus-marinated chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many sides. Here are some serving ideas:

• On the grill: Serve with grilled veggies (like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn) and a side of rice or quinoa.
• In tacos: Slice the grilled chicken and serve in soft tortillas with avocado, pico de gallo, and sour cream for a delicious taco night.
• With a fresh salad: Pair the chicken with a light green salad or a Mediterranean-style salad with feta, olives, and cucumbers.
• Over rice or grains: Top a bed of jasmine rice, couscous, or bulgur with the citrus chicken for a complete, healthy meal.

How to Store Citrus Chicken

Storing Leftovers:

• In the fridge: Once cooked, store leftover citrus chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
• In the freezer: You can freeze the marinated chicken before cooking. Simply place the chicken with the marinade in a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw in the fridge overnight and cook as usual.

Can You Freeze the Marinade?

Yes! You can make a batch of this citrus chicken marinade and freeze it for future use. Freeze the marinade alone in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw and use as needed.

Recipe FAQs

How long should I marinate chicken in citrus?

Ideally, marinate the chicken for 2-4 hours. Any longer than 8 hours can make the chicken mushy due to the acidity breaking down the proteins too much.

Can I use bottled citrus juice?

While you can use bottled juice in a pinch, fresh citrus juice provides a much brighter and more flavorful result. Fresh juice also lacks preservatives, which makes it healthier and tastier.

What type of chicken works best with this marinade?

This marinade works great with all cuts of chicken: breasts, thighs, drumsticks, or even wings. If using bone-in, skin-on pieces, the marinade will add extra flavor to the skin, which crisps up beautifully when grilled.

Can I bake the marinated chicken?

Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake marinated chicken breasts for 20-25 minutes, depending on the thickness. For thighs, bake for 30-35 minutes.

Conclusion

A citrus chicken marinade is one of the easiest ways to elevate your chicken dishes, offering bright, bold flavors and tenderizing the meat to perfection. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or meal prepping for the week, this marinade is your secret weapon for delicious and juicy chicken every time. Try it out with different citrus combinations, experiment with spices, and serve it up in tacos, salads, or grain bowls for a meal that will wow your family and friends!

Still Hungry! Try these chicken recipes:

• Chicken Tikka Biryani
• Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken
• Grilled Chicken Burrito