Save to Pinterest This citrus BBQ chicken recipe is my go-to for summertime grilling because it packs so much bright flavor into every bite. The combination of orange and lemon juices transforms simple chicken into something exciting with just a quick marinade and a spin on the grill.
I remember making this on a humid July evening and everyone gathered around the grill just to smell the sizzle. Now it is a mandatory dish for our family BBQs.
Ingredients
- Chicken pieces: use bone-in or boneless thighs and breasts for juicy grilling Look for fresh cuts with no gray edges
- Orange juice: adds natural sweetness and brightness Freshly squeezed gives a more vibrant flavor than bottled
- Lemon juice: delivers zesty tang Avoid juices with preservatives for the cleanest taste
- Olive oil: keeps the chicken moist during grilling A mellow extra virgin variety is ideal
- Garlic: gives big savory notes Go with firm tight cloves and mince just before using for best aroma
- Salt and black pepper: essential for bringing out all the flavors Use flaky sea salt if available
Instructions
- Make the marinade:
- In a medium bowl whisk together the orange juice lemon juice olive oil minced garlic salt and pepper until fully combined
- Marinate the chicken:
- Arrange chicken pieces in a large resealable bag or a glass dish Pour the marinade over ensuring all surfaces are coated Massage gently then cover and refrigerate for one hour The citrus will begin tenderizing the meat
- Prepare the grill:
- Preheat your gas or charcoal grill to medium heat around 375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit Clean the grates thoroughly and oil them lightly to prevent sticking
- Grill the chicken:
- Place the marinated chicken on the grill skin side down if using bone-in Let it cook undisturbed for 6 to 8 minutes This creates those beautiful grill marks and locks in juices
- Baste and turn:
- Brush the chicken with remaining marinade Flip it and continue grilling basting once or twice more Cook for another 6 to 8 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit The outside should look golden brown with a few caramelized spots
- Rest and serve:
- Remove from the grill Place the chicken on a platter and tent loosely with foil to rest for 5 minutes This step helps juices redistribute for maximum tenderness Slice or serve whole
Save to Pinterest My favorite ingredient here is the fresh orange juice Every time I zest and squeeze an orange it reminds me of helping my grandmother with Sunday dinners She always said never skip fresh citrus because it wakes up the whole dish
Storage Tips
Let leftover chicken cool completely before storing Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days Reheat gently in a covered skillet to keep it from drying out If you need to store it longer freeze in zip-top bags for up to two months Set portions out to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating Always discard any remaining marinade that touched raw chicken It is not safe to reuse for other dishes
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap lime juice if you are out of lemons or mix in a splash of grapefruit juice for added complexity If you prefer you can use boneless skinless chicken just reduce grilling time by a couple of minutes per side For a sweeter twist add a drizzle of honey to the marinade just before grilling It accentuates the caramelized flavor
Serving Suggestions
Serve this citrus BBQ chicken alongside grilled corn a vibrant green salad or over a bed of herbed rice Slice leftovers into wraps or toss on top of mixed greens for a quick healthy lunch Pair with a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc or iced tea for a truly refreshing meal
Cultural and Seasonal Notes
Marinating with citrus has roots in Mediterranean and Latin American traditions where acidity both flavors and tenderizes meats Fresh citrus comes into season in late winter early spring making this recipe deliciously bright during those months For a festive twist add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the marinade It gives the recipe extra warmth
Save to Pinterest With fresh citrus aromatics and plenty of juicy char this BBQ chicken will be the standout at your next cookout Whether you are feeding family or friends there is never a crumb left behind from this bright zesty recipe
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use boneless chicken for this dish?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts or thighs also work well. Adjust grill time to prevent drying out.
- → How long should the chicken marinate?
Marinating for at least one hour is best, but you can marinate up to overnight for deeper flavor.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, or a fresh green salad complement the citrus flavors nicely.
- → Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Yes, you can bake at 400°F (200°C) until cooked through, but grilling adds a smoky charred taste.
- → Is it necessary to use both orange and lemon juice?
Both juices add unique flavors, but you can use just one if needed. Adjust to your taste preference.