Citrus Dijon Grilled Chicken

This citrus Dijon grilled chicken has become my summer grilling staple for those evenings when I need something quick yet impressive. The bright flavors of three different citrus fruits combined with Dijon mustard create a perfect balance that elevates ordinary chicken breasts into something truly special.

I first created this marinade when unexpected dinner guests arrived on a warm summer evening. With just a few ingredients from my refrigerator, I managed to serve a meal that had everyone asking for the recipe. Now it's my go-to for both casual weeknight dinners and entertaining.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Look for pieces of similar thickness for even cooking
• Olive oil: Creates the base for your marinade while adding healthy fats
• Dijon mustard: Provides tang and helps emulsify the marinade
• Fresh citrus juices (lime, lemon, and orange): Bring brightness and natural tenderizers
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps the chicken retain moisture
• Garlic powder: Offers convenience while still providing rich flavor
• Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence: Creates depth with multiple herb notes
• Fresh thyme: Adds earthy aromatic notes that stand up well to grilling
• Fresh oregano: Contributes slightly bitter complexity that pairs beautifully with citrus
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Provide gentle heat that balances the sweet citrus

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare The Marinade:

Whisk together all marinade ingredients until completely emulsified. The oil and citrus juices will want to separate, so whisk vigorously until they form a unified mixture. The Dijon mustard helps this process tremendously. Remember to reserve 1/4 cup of this marinade for basting during cooking which creates delicious caramelization.

Marinate The Chicken:

Place your chicken breasts in a bowl or zip-close bag and pour the marinade over them, ensuring each piece is fully coated. The acid from the citrus will begin tenderizing the meat immediately. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour but ideally up to overnight for maximum flavor penetration.

Prepare The Grill:

Heat your grill to medium temperature approximately 350°F to 375°F and take time to properly oil the grates. This crucial step prevents sticking and helps achieve those beautiful grill marks. Allow the grill to fully preheat for at least 10 minutes before cooking.

Grill First Side:

Use tongs to place the marinated chicken on the preheated grill. Position them at a slight angle to the grill grates to create attractive crosshatch marks. Cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes until you see the edges becoming opaque and the bottom developing nice grill marks.

First Turn And Baste:

Carefully flip each chicken breast and immediately brush with half of your reserved marinade. This adds a fresh layer of flavor and moisture. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes while the marinade begins to caramelize.

Final Turn And Baste:

Flip the chicken once more and brush with the remaining reserved marinade. This double basting technique creates layers of flavor and helps keep the chicken incredibly juicy. Cook for 2-4 minutes more until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the juices run clear.

Serve And Garnish:

Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and let rest for about 3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with fresh herb sprigs and citrus wedges for both visual appeal and extra flavor if desired.

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The secret to this recipe's magic is the combination of three different citrus fruits. I discovered this by accident when I only had one lemon and had to supplement with oranges and limes. The complexity of flavors was so much better than using just one type of citrus that I never went back to simpler versions.

Make-Ahead Options

This marinade works beautifully as part of your meal prep routine. You can combine the chicken and marinade in freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. As the chicken thaws in the refrigerator, it marinates simultaneously, creating an incredibly convenient dinner solution with maximum flavor. I often prepare several batches on weekend afternoons to have ready for hectic weeknights.

Creative Serving Ideas

Transform this grilled chicken into multiple meals throughout the week. Slice it for hearty salads with mixed greens and avocado. Chop it for quick tacos with fresh slaw and crema. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables and quinoa for a complete healthy dinner. My family particularly loves it sliced thin and served in warm pita with tzatziki sauce and fresh vegetables for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Perfect Pairings

The bright citrus profile of this chicken pairs wonderfully with both light and bold flavors. Try serving alongside a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. For side dishes, consider Mediterranean couscous, roasted asparagus, or a simple green salad with vinaigrette. The versatility of this chicken makes it compatible with everything from hearty grain bowls to light summer salads.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?

For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour. You can marinate for as little as 30 minutes in a pinch, but for maximum flavor, let it marinate up to 12 hours (overnight).

→ Can I use different citrus fruits?

Yes! While the recipe calls for lemon, lime, and orange juices, you can substitute more of one kind if you're lacking variety. All lemon or all lime works very well if that's what you have on hand.

→ What is Herbs de Provence and can I substitute it?

Herbs de Provence is a French herb blend typically containing thyme, savory, oregano, rosemary, and sometimes lavender. You can substitute Italian seasoning or make your own blend with 1/4 teaspoon each of dried thyme, parsley, oregano, and basil.

→ How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). With the cooking times in this recipe (about 15-20 minutes total), boneless chicken breasts should be perfectly cooked.

→ Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! For an extra flavor boost, double the garlic powder and crushed red pepper flakes in the marinade. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for additional heat.

→ What sides pair well with this chicken?

This citrus dijon chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides including roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, quinoa, garden salad, or grilled corn. The bright flavors complement both light summer sides and heartier accompaniments.