Citrus Dijon Grilled Chicken

The tangy zest of citrus meeting the bold punch of Dijon mustard creates an irresistibly juicy and flavorful Citrus Dijon Grilled Chicken that’s impossible to resist. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of bright, aromatic citrus notes and the sophisticated warmth of Dijon, all locked into tender, perfectly grilled chicken. This versatile dish transitions effortlessly from casual weeknight dinners to impressive weekend entertaining. You’ll learn how to create the perfect marinade that tenderizes while infusing maximum flavor, master grilling techniques for juicy results every time, and discover serving ideas that elevate this dish to restaurant quality.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Citrus Dijon Grilled Chicken recipe deserves a permanent spot in your cooking rotation for countless reasons. The marinade works double-duty—tenderizing the chicken while infusing it with complex flavors that penetrate deep into the meat. The contrast between the caramelized, slightly charred exterior and the incredibly moist interior creates a textural masterpiece that’s deeply satisfying.

What truly sets this grilled chicken with citrus Dijon sauce apart is its versatility. The bright, tangy flavors make it perfect for summer cookouts, while the sophisticated flavor profile works equally well for dinner parties. It’s also incredibly weeknight-friendly, requiring minimal hands-on time—just marinate ahead, then grill when you’re ready to eat.

Health-conscious cooks will appreciate that this dish delivers maximum flavor without heavy cream or butter. The marinade creates such depth of taste that you won’t miss the added calories. Best of all, even kitchen novices can achieve professional-looking (and tasting) results with this foolproof recipe.

Ingredients

For this flavor-packed Citrus Dijon Grilled Chicken, you’ll need:

• 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• ¼ cup (60ml) fresh orange juice
• 2 tbsp (30ml) fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp (30ml) fresh lime juice
• 3 tbsp (45g) Dijon mustard (preferably whole grain for texture)
• 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tbsp)
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or tarragon work beautifully)
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

The citrus trio forms the backbone of this marinade, with each fruit contributing unique notes—orange for sweetness, lemon for brightness, and lime for complexity. High-quality Dijon mustard is essential; its tangy depth can’t be replicated by yellow mustard. For the most fragrant result, use fresh herbs rather than dried whenever possible.

Pro Tips

Marinating Magic: For the most flavorful zesty Dijon citrus chicken, marinate for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. The acid from the citrus juices tenderizes the chicken while the oil helps lock in moisture. To maximize flavor penetration, lightly score the chicken breasts with shallow cuts before marinating, especially if they’re thick. Flip the chicken halfway through marinating time to ensure even flavor distribution.

Temperature Control: The secret to perfectly grilled chicken is managing your heat zones. Create a two-zone fire by piling coals on one side of your grill (or turning on only half your gas burners). Start chicken on the hot side for 2-3 minutes per side to get those beautiful grill marks, then move to the cooler side to finish cooking without burning. Always use a meat thermometer—chicken is perfectly done at 165°F (74°C), but I pull it off at 160°F (71°C) as it will continue cooking during rest time.

Resting Ritual: After grilling, allow your Citrus Dijon Grilled Chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes under loose foil. This crucial step allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat instead of running out when cut. For an extra flavor boost, reserve a few tablespoons of the marinade before adding the raw chicken, then boil it separately for 1-2 minutes and brush onto the chicken during the final minutes of grilling and again during resting.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, honey, fresh herbs, citrus zests, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. The marinade should look emulsified and slightly thickened from the mustard. If you’d like to reserve some for basting, set aside 3 tablespoons in a separate container before proceeding.

Step 2: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken

If using chicken breasts, place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound to an even thickness of about ¾ inch. This ensures even cooking. For thighs, trim any excess fat. Place the chicken in a large zip-top bag or shallow glass dish and pour the marinade over it, making sure all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours, turning occasionally.

Step 3: Prepare Your Grill

About 15 minutes before cooking, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-425°F). Clean and oil the grates well to prevent sticking. If using a charcoal grill, set up a two-zone fire with coals concentrated on one side for direct heat and the other side empty for indirect heat.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard the used marinade. Place chicken on the hot side of the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes until beautiful grill marks appear. Flip and grill the other side for another 3-4 minutes. Then, move the chicken to the cooler side of the grill, close the lid, and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), about 5-7 more minutes depending on thickness.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Transfer the Citrus Dijon Grilled Chicken to a clean plate and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. If you reserved marinade for basting, brush it over the chicken now for an extra flavor boost. Slice against the grain and serve garnished with fresh herbs and additional citrus wedges if desired.

Variations

Mediterranean Style: Transform your Citrus Dijon Grilled Chicken into a Mediterranean feast by adding 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh oregano and 2 teaspoons of minced preserved lemon to the marinade. After grilling, serve over a bed of couscous with cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, and kalamata olives. Drizzle with a simple yogurt sauce made by combining Greek yogurt with a touch of olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic.

Spicy Southwest: For those who enjoy heat, create a southwestern twist by adding 1 tablespoon of adobo sauce from canned chipotles, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the marinade. After grilling, slice the chicken and serve in warm tortillas with avocado slices, pickled red onions, and cilantro for delicious spicy citrus Dijon chicken tacos that will elevate your taco Tuesday.

Asian-Inspired: Create an Asian-fusion version by replacing the Dijon with 2 tablespoons of white miso paste and adding 1 tablespoon of grated ginger and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to the marinade. Garnish with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and serve alongside steamed rice and quick-pickled vegetables for a complete meal with complex flavors.

Storage and Serving

Properly stored, Citrus Dijon Grilled Chicken maintains its delicious flavor for several days. Allow leftover chicken to cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap then placed in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

For the juiciest results when reheating, warm the chicken gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven with a splash of chicken broth until just heated through, about 15 minutes. Microwaving is convenient but can dry out the meat, so use medium power and cover with a damp paper towel if choosing this method.

This versatile chicken shines when served with a citrus-herb rice pilaf and grilled asparagus drizzled with olive oil. For a stunning presentation, arrange sliced Citrus Dijon Grilled Chicken over a bed of arugula with segmented oranges, shaved fennel, and a light vinaigrette. For a hearty lunch option, use the chicken in a wrap with mixed greens, avocado, and a smear of additional Dijon mustard.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Absolutely! You can use a grill pan on the stove over medium-high heat, following the same timing guidelines. Alternatively, broil the chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet 6 inches from the heat source, about 5-6 minutes per side, or until it reaches 165°F internally.

Can I use bottled citrus juice instead of fresh?
Fresh citrus juice provides the brightest flavor, but in a pinch, bottled juice works. Since bottled juices often lack the aromatic oils found in fresh citrus, add extra zest to compensate for the missing complexity.

How can I prevent the chicken from drying out?
The key is not to overcook it. Use a meat thermometer and remove the chicken from the heat at 160°F, as it will continue cooking to the safe 165°F during resting. The acid in the marinade also helps tenderize the meat.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Most Dijon mustards are gluten-free, but always check the label to be certain. All other ingredients in this Citrus Dijon Grilled Chicken recipe are naturally gluten-free.

Can I make this marinade ahead of time?
Yes! The marinade can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This makes meal prep easier—just add the chicken when you’re ready to begin marinating.

Conclusion

This Citrus Dijon Grilled Chicken is comfort food reimagined — bright, sophisticated, and bursting with layers of flavor that dance on your palate. It’s the kind of dish that transforms ordinary dinners into memorable meals, earning you praise while secretly being effortless to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for family on a busy weeknight or hosting friends for a weekend gathering, this recipe delivers reliability and wow-factor in equal measure. The perfect balance of tangy citrus and pungent Dijon creates a combination that’s simultaneously familiar and exciting—a recipe you’ll return to season after season.

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