Grilled Citrus Herb Chicken: A Summer Favorite for Outdoor Dining
There’s something special about eating outdoors on a warm summer night—cold drinks in hand, music playing softly, and the scent of grilled food in the air. This grilled citrus herb chicken captures that vibe perfectly. It’s light but juicy, packed with fresh summer flavors like lemon, orange, garlic, and garden herbs. Plus, it’s easy to prep ahead, making it ideal for everything from casual backyard dinners to weekend cookouts.
Why This Recipe Works for Summer
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Bright flavors from citrus zest and juice keep things light and refreshing.
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Herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley bring freshness and balance.
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Grilling locks in moisture and gives a satisfying char.
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Pairs well with summer sides like corn on the cob, watermelon salad, or grilled vegetables.
🍋 Grilled Citrus Herb Chicken Recipe
Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 1–4 hours
Grill Time: 12–16 minutes
Ingredients:
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2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
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Zest and juice of 1 lemon
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Zest and juice of 1 orange
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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¼ cup olive oil
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2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
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1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
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¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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Optional: chili flakes for a bit of heat
Instructions:
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Make the Marinade
In a bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together the lemon and orange juice/zest, garlic, olive oil, mustard, herbs, salt, and pepper. Add chili flakes if using. -
Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken to the marinade and toss to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 4 hours). -
Preheat the Grill
Heat your grill to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates. -
Grill the Chicken
Remove chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Grill for 5–8 minutes per side (depending on thickness), until internal temperature reaches 165°F and the outside is golden with slight char. -
Rest & Serve
Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with lemon wedges, fresh parsley, and your favorite summer sides.
🌿 Serving Ideas:
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Over a bed of arugula with grilled peaches
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With grilled corn and a cucumber-tomato salad
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Sliced on a toasted baguette with a dollop of herbed aioli
Final Thought
Grilled citrus herb chicken is everything summer cooking should be—simple, fresh, and designed to be enjoyed under the sky. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just enjoying dinner on the deck, this recipe is a flavorful crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.