Citrus Chicken Breast Marinade
This Citrus Chicken Breast Marinade is a bright and flavorful recipe that tenderizes chicken breasts with fresh citrus juices and herbs, perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-searing.
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts skinless, boneless
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon honey or pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro or parsley optional
Instructions
- Start by squeezing fresh oranges, lemons, and limes to extract the juice. Using fresh juice is key to achieving the bright and vibrant flavor that canned or bottled juices just can’t replicate.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, honey, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the honey is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3-4 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
- You can grill, bake, or pan-sear the marinated chicken breasts: Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes. Pan-Searing: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for an extra burst of freshness and serve with your favorite sides.
Equipment
- Medium-sized bowl
- Resealable plastic bag or shallow dish
- Grill
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Skillet
Notes
Use fresh citrus juices for best flavor and tenderness. Marinate chicken for at least 1 hour, preferably 3-4 hours or overnight. Adjust sweetness to taste by adding more honey or maple syrup. Check internal temperature to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C). Double the marinade if you want extra sauce to drizzle over cooked chicken. You can add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano, or a spicy kick with cayenne pepper or hot sauce. This marinade works well with other proteins such as turkey, fish, or tofu. Store raw marinated chicken in the fridge for up to 24 hours and cooked chicken leftovers for 3-4 days.