Description
Discover a bright, citrusy summer chicken marinade that turns simple chicken into a grill‑ready masterpiece. Fresh, quick, and irresistibly
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 2 medium oranges)
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
- 2 tablespoons extra‑virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the citrus‑herb mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours. The acid from the citrus will tenderize the meat while the spices infuse flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium‑high (about 375–400°F). If using a charcoal grill, allow the coals to reach a steady, even heat.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes. Pat the surface dry with paper towels to help achieve a nice sear. Place the chicken on the grill, and cook for 6–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the juices run clear.
- Rest and Serve: Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. Slice or serve whole, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking; chicken can dry out quickly.
- For extra color, brush a thin layer of olive oil on the grill grates before cooking.
- If you prefer a smokier flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the marinade.
- To keep the chicken moist, avoid flipping it too often; let each side develop a golden crust.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Chicken
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: summer chicken marinade