Juicy Chicken Marinade (Citrus Orange!)

This chicken marinade produces the juiciest chicken–either breasts or thighs– and is oh-so delicious and simple to whip up! Made with a double-citrus blend of fresh lime and orange juice, it’s bursting with bright, zesty flavors and makes for tender chicken that can be grilled or baked.

Overhead shot of a white platter with sliced, grilled chicken; a serving fork; fresh herbs; and orange and lime slices. Platter is surrounded by small bowls of lime and orange slices and chopped herbs, a striped towel, and jars of a yellow sauce and honey.

All Aboard the Citrus Chicken Train!

You know those dark and gloomy cold days where you need something to remind you of sunshine? Or those sunny, summer days where you need the perfect recipe for the grill?

I have the best recipe for you – grilled or baked citrus marinated chicken is my new happy recipe for anytime of year!

My easy lemon chicken marinade is similar to this recipe, but here we’re using double citrus with freshly squeezed lime and orange juice for a zesty and sweet flavor.

A touch of honey adds additional sweetness and gives the chicken some caramelization when cooked, and dijon mustard rounds out all the flavors with some depth.

Just 5 minutes to whip up the marinade, 30 minutes to marinate, and then either a quick bake or grill, and you’ll have yourself an easy drool-worthy meal that looks like you put in a lot more effort than you did.

Finish off the cooked chicken with a drizzle of reserved marinade and pair with one of these easy BBQ side dishes for an effortless meal.

Visual Guide: Let’s Make Citrus Chicken Marinade!

Overhead shot of the following ingredients: garlic, salt, honey, black pepper, chicken, mustard, oil, lime, orange. — Gather ingredients.

Overhead shot of whisking oil, lime and orange zest, and black pepper in a glass bowl. Bowl is surrounded by limes, an orange, and a jar of honey. — Gather ingredients.

Overhead shot of a glass bowl with oil. Bowl is surrounded by limes, and an orange, and small bowls of mustard, salt, black pepper, garlic, and honey.

My Thoughts on Ingredient Subs

Extra virgin olive oil: I love the light, buttery flavor of the extra virgin olive oil in this recipe, but you can also use any other neutral flavored oil in its place like avocado, vegetable or canola oil.

Lime juice: The fresh lime juice helps to tenderize and infuse the chicken with lots of zesty flavor. I do recommend using freshly squeezed juice since there are so few ingredients. You can substitute with freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Orange juice: Fresh orange juice adds a touch of sweetness and lots of bright flavors. You can use tangerine or clementine juice instead.

Dijon mustard: I like the depth of flavor and subtle heat that Dijon mustard brings, and it helps the marinades texture, so wouldn’t recommend using another mustard.

Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic definitely elevates this simple recipe, but if you’re very short on time or don’t have any on hand, 1 teaspoon of granulated garlic powder can be substituted.

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts work well in this recipe. Chicken thighs have a higher fat content which adds flavor when grilled.

Side angle shot of spooning sauce onto sliced grilled chicken on a white platter.

Let’s Answer a Few Burning Questions

Whenever there’s citrus or something acidic in a marinade, shorter marinade times are recommended because the acid can make the meat tougher when cooked. For best results marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 3 hours.

Marinated chicken is the perfect make-ahead recipe. You can freeze the marinade and uncooked chicken together for a super easy meal. Simply place the marinade, chicken, and water in a 1-gallon freezer bag and stick in the freezer. When you’re ready to use, defrost the chicken in the fridge and cook it immediately.

This marinade is excellent with fish and shrimp, and with vegetables like zucchini and yellow squash. For fish, shrimp, or vegetables, just marinate for 30 minutes maximum.

Overhead shot of a glass bowl with oil, orange and lime zest, salt, and black pepper. Bowl is surrounded by limes, an orange, and a jar of honey.

This Recipe Is…

Dairy Free Gluten Free Nut Free

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. Overhead shot of a white platter with sliced, grilled chicken; a serving fork; fresh herbs; and orange and lime slices. Platter is surrounded by small bowls of lime and orange slices and chopped herbs, a striped towel, and jars of a yellow sauce and honey.