This Easy Citrus Dijon Grilled Chicken is zesty and full of flavor! The tangy citrus and mustard mix gives the chicken a tasty and fresh twist that’s hard to resist.
Plus, it’s simple to make! Just marinate, grill, and enjoy a meal that’s sure to impress. I love to serve it with a side salad for a colorful dinner that feels fancy but is super easy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe as they cook quickly and absorb flavors well. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier option; just adjust cooking time as needed.
Olive Oil: This oil adds richness to the marinade. If you need a substitute, avocado oil is a great option. It also has a mild flavor that won’t overpower the citrus.
Dijon Mustard: The Dijon gives a nice tang. You could swap this for whole grain mustard for more texture or even honey mustard for a sweeter taste.
Citrus Juices: Lemon, lime, and orange bring freshness. If you don’t have all three, you can just use whatever citrus you have on hand — even bottled juice works in a pinch!
Honey or Maple Syrup: Both sweeteners help balance the tanginess of the mustard. If you’re looking for a vegan option, maple syrup will work beautifully. Adjust the amount according to your taste.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Juicy and Flavorful?
Getting juicy chicken is all about marinating and monitoring the cooking process. Here’s how to nail it:
- Marinate: Let your chicken soak in the marinade. The longer, the better — aim for at least an hour, but overnight is even more rewarding.
- Temperature Control: Make sure your grill is preheated. Too low, and the chicken can dry out. Ideal cooking temp is medium-high; aim for around 400°F (200°C).
- Cook Time: Keep it to about 6-8 minutes per side, checking with a meat thermometer. Aim for 165°F (74°C) for safe cooking.
- Resting: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling; this helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken tender.
These steps will help you serve up tender, flavorful chicken every time! Enjoy your grilling!
Easy Citrus Dijon Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- Juice and zest of 1 orange
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh herbs (such as thyme or oregano) for garnish
- Citrus slices (lemon, lime, orange) for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes to 2 hours for marinating. For grilling, plan for about 15-20 minutes. In total, you’ll need around 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on how long you choose to marinate your chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, lime juice, lime zest, orange juice, orange zest, minced garlic, honey, oregano, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined. This will be your flavorful marinade!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s all covered nicely. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the fridge. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes up to 2 hours, giving it a turn halfway through if you can.
3. Preheat the Grill:
Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan, lightly coat it with oil to help prevent sticking.
4. Prepare the Chicken for Grilling:
Once the chicken has marinated, take it out of the fridge and let the excess marinade drip off. It’s important to discard any leftover marinade as it has come into contact with raw chicken.
5. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken on the grill. Grill for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and you see nice grill marks. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts, so use a meat thermometer for accuracy!
6. Rest and Serve:
Once grilled, let the chicken rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy! After resting, slice or serve whole, garnished with fresh citrus slices and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
This recipe delivers tender, juicy grilled chicken with a bright and zesty flavor, making it perfect for a light dinner alongside a fresh salad or grilled vegetables. Enjoy your delicious meal!
FAQ for Easy Citrus Dijon Grilled Chicken
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Yes! This marinade works great with pork chops or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Just ensure to adjust the cooking times accordingly; tofu will need less time, while pork may take a bit longer.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you like a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade — start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to your taste. You can also pair the dish with a spicy salsa or hot sauce when serving.
Can I Make This Recipe in the Oven Instead of Grilling?
Absolutely! Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the marinated chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can broil for the last 2-3 minutes for a nice golden top!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or heat gently in a pan over low heat, ensuring it doesn’t dry out.
