This Easy Citrus Dijon Grilled Chicken is bursting with bright flavors! The tangy citrus and zesty Dijon mustard create a tasty marinade that makes the chicken juicy and delicious.
I love grilling this dish during the summer! Pair it with a fresh salad for a light meal. Plus, your friends will think you’re a master chef! Who doesn’t love a flavorful chicken? 🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and easy grilling. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you could try chicken thighs for juiciness or even tofu for a vegetarian version!
Lemon and Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed juice gives the best flavor, but bottled juice works too in a pinch. Try substituting lime juice or grapefruit juice if you want a twist on the citrus flavor.
Dijon Mustard: This gives the chicken a nice tang. If you’re not a Dijon fan, you can replace it with whole grain mustard or yellow mustard for a milder taste.
Fresh Herbs: Thyme and oregano add great flavor, but feel free to mix in basil or rosemary! If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried ones work just fine – just use a smaller amount.
How Do I Get Juicy Grilled Chicken Every Time?
Getting juicy grilled chicken is all about marinating. The marinade adds moisture and flavor, so don’t skip this step! Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure to coat the chicken well in the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or longer if you can. This really enhances the taste.
- When grilling, let the grill preheat thoroughly for nice grill marks. Avoid flipping the chicken too often – let it brown nicely on each side for 6-7 minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Remove the chicken at 165°F (74°C) to ensure it stays juicy.
- Don’t skip resting it! Let the grilled chicken sit for a few minutes before slicing to keep those juices locked in.
Easy Citrus Dijon Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (about half an orange)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Lemon and orange slices, for garnish
- Fresh herbs (thyme or oregano), for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep the marinade, and then you’ll want to let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours). Grilling will take around 12-15 minutes. So, in total, you should set aside about 50 minutes to have this delicious dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Create the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, orange juice, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. This tangy and flavorful mixture is what will make your chicken burst with taste!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated in the zesty mix. Seal the bag or cover the dish well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, let it marinate for up to 4 hours!
3. Preheat the Grill:
While your chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will help you achieve those perfect grill marks and a nice char.
4. Prepare the Chicken for Grilling:
When the marinating time is up, take the chicken out of the fridge. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard the leftover marinade—there’s no need to use it after this!
5. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill and cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked chicken. You should see beautiful grill marks as they cook!
6. Let It Rest:
Once the chicken is done grilling, carefully remove it from the grill and let it rest on a plate for a few minutes. This step helps keep the chicken juicy and delicious!
7. Plate and Garnish:
When ready to serve, plate the chicken and garnish it with fresh lemon and orange slices, along with a sprinkle of any remaining fresh herbs for an extra pop of flavor and presentation.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your flavorful, juicy Easy Citrus Dijon Grilled Chicken warm with your favorite sides, like a fresh salad or grilled vegetables. Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Citrus Dijon Grilled Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice if you prefer a juicier piece of meat. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to grill, around 7-8 minutes per side, depending on their thickness.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best flavor and texture, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade up to a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container until you’re ready to marinate the chicken. This can help save time on busy cooking days!
What Can I Serve With This Dish?
This citrus dijon grilled chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Try it with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, rice, or quinoa. It also goes great in wraps or sandwiches!
