This Easy Citrus Dijon Grilled Chicken has a tasty mix of zesty citrus and a touch of mustard. It’s simple to whip up and perfect for summer grilling with friends or family!
You’ll love how juicy and flavorful this chicken turns out. Plus, who doesn’t appreciate a 30-minute meal? I often pair it with fresh veggies or a light salad. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe as they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work well and add a richer flavor.
Dijon Mustard: This adds a tangy kick to your marinade. If you don’t have Dijon, you can substitute it with yellow mustard or even a fancy whole grain mustard for added texture.
Citrus Juices: The mix of lemon, lime, and orange gives a bright flavor. If you’re short on time or ingredients, you can use just one type of citrus juice, but the variety really boosts the taste!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives your chicken a lovely aromatic flavor. If you’re out of fresh garlic, garlic powder works in a pinch—just use about 1/4 teaspoon per clove.
How Do You Marinate Chicken Effectively?
Marinating is key to adding flavor and tenderness to your chicken. Here’s how to do it right:
- Combine all marinade ingredients well in a bowl.
- Place the chicken in a sealable bag for easy marinating. This helps the marinade coat every piece evenly.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you can, aim for 1-2 hours for a deeper flavor.
- Always discard the leftover marinade to avoid any risk of bacteria.
For best results, marinate your chicken in the coldest part of your fridge, and remember, more time really does mean more flavor!
Easy Citrus Dijon Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- Juice and zest of 1 orange
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh herbs for garnish (such as thyme or oregano)
- Citrus slices (lemon, lime, orange) for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Citrus Dijon Grilled Chicken recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and at least 30 minutes to marinate in the fridge. Once you’re ready to grill, it’ll take about 12-14 minutes to cook. So, overall, set aside about 50-60 minutes from start to finish, with most of that time being marinating!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, lime juice and zest, orange juice and zest, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Make sure everything is well combined—this marinade packs in a lot of flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Now, grab a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Place the chicken breasts inside, then pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish, making sure each chicken piece gets coated nicely with the marinade. Pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to let all those delicious flavors soak in.
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, get your grill ready. Preheat it to medium-high heat so it’s hot and ready to go when the chicken is done marinating.
4. Grill the Chicken:
After marinating, take the chicken out of the fridge and remove it from the marinade, discarding any leftover marinade. Place the chicken breasts onto the grill. Grill for about 6-7 minutes on one side, then flip and grill for another 6-7 minutes on the other side. You want to aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.
5. Let It Rest:
Once your chicken is nicely charred and fully cooked, remove it from the grill. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes—this makes it juicy and easier to slice!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the grilled chicken and arrange it on a platter. Garnish with fresh herbs and citrus slices for an extra pop of color and flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or grilled veggies. Enjoy your delicious Easy Citrus Dijon Grilled Chicken!
FAQs About Easy Citrus Dijon Grilled Chicken
Can I Use Other Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for grilling, you can also use bone-in pieces or chicken thighs for a juicier option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in pieces may take longer to cook through.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Citrus Fruits?
If you’re out of fresh citrus fruits, you can use bottled citrus juices instead. Aim for 1/4 cup of bottled juice for a similar flavor, but fresh is always best for the aroma and zest!
How Should I Store Leftover Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the chicken cool down to room temperature before sealing it up. You can reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist!
Can I Prep This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Marinate the chicken the night before and then let it sit in the fridge until you’re ready to grill. This helps develop even more flavor. Just remember to let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before grilling!
