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Citrus Chicken with Zesty Glaze

Citrus Chicken with Zesty Glaze

A vibrant Citrus Chicken with Zesty Glaze recipe featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts or thighs infused with a bright, tangy citrus glaze made from fresh orange, lemon, and lime juices, balanced with honey and savory soy sauce, perfect for a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs

Citrus Glaze

  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Garnishes (optional)

  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
  • Red pepper flakes, to taste
  • Thinly sliced green onions
  • Toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Citrus Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together the fresh orange, lemon, and lime juices with honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create a vibrant glaze that forms the base of the dish’s bright flavors.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a shallow dish and pour half of the citrus glaze over them. Let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes to absorb the bright, tangy flavors and help keep the meat juicy.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook each side for about 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. During the last few minutes of cooking, pour the remaining glaze over the chicken to create a shiny, thickened coating.
  4. Rest and Garnish: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices. Sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley and add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired for a touch of heat.

Notes

  • Use fresh citrus juices for the brightest flavor and natural sweetness.
  • Don’t skip marinating — even a short marination infuses the chicken with vibrant flavor.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level for perfect heat balance.
  • Cook over medium heat to avoid burning the glaze and ensure tenderness.
  • Let the chicken rest after cooking to redistribute juices and maintain juiciness.

Nutrition

Keywords: citrus chicken, zesty glaze, quick chicken recipe, gluten free chicken, healthy chicken dinner, easy chicken recipe