This triple citrus chicken marinade recipe beautifully blends the tangy flavors of orange, lemon, and lime with a variety of other ingredients to create a marinade that's perfect for enhancing the natural flavor of chicken. The citrus adds a fresh, zesty taste to the chicken, which is complemented by the subtle, savory notes of garlic, rosemary, honey, and mustard. This marinade will make your chicken incredibly juicy and flavorful, perfect for grilling on a pleasant summer day.
Most ingredients in the triple citrus chicken marinade recipe are common pantry staples. However, for the citrus elements, you will need fresh navel oranges, lemons, and limes as it's their zest and juice that are required. Fresh rosemary is also used in this recipe. Although dried rosemary can be substituted, the aroma and flavor of fresh rosemary are far superior. It's also worth noting that the recipe uses shallots, which have a milder, slightly sweeter taste than onions.
Triple Citrus Chicken Marinade Ingredients
Navel orange juice: Freshly squeezed navel orange juice is preferred for its natural sweetness.
Orange zest: The zest of the orange adds an intense citrus flavor.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds tanginess to the marinade.
Lemon zest: Lemon zest provides a concentrated lemon flavor.
Lime juice: Lime juice brings a unique tartness to the marinade.
Lime zest: The zest from the lime adds a concentrated lime flavor.
Olive oil: Olive oil is used as a base for the marinade and helps to keep the chicken moist.
Shallot: Shallot adds a mild and slightly sweet flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a strong and pungent flavor profile.
Rosemary: Fresh rosemary adds a fragrant, woodsy flavor.
Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard brings a tangy and slightly spicy depth to the marinade.
Honey: Honey adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity from the citrus.
Salt: Salt is essential in marinades for flavor enhancement.
Black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a bit of heat and complexity.
Chicken breasts: The chicken breasts serve as the primary protein and the base for the marinade.
One reader, Abigail Kuntz says:
This triple citrus chicken marinade recipe is a game-changer! The combination of orange, lemon, and lime infuses the chicken with a burst of fresh, zesty flavor. It's incredibly easy to make and results in tender, juicy chicken every time. I highly recommend trying it out for a delightful citrusy twist!
Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Citrus Chicken Marinade
How to prepare the marinade: Whisk together all the ingredients in a mixing bowl until well combined.
How to marinate the chicken: Place the chicken in a gallon-size resealable bag or dish, then pour the marinade over the chicken. Transfer the bag or dish to the refrigerator and let it rest for at least 1 hour and up to 6 hours.
How to grill the chicken: Preheat a grill over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook on the grill until the center registers 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest portion, turning once halfway through cooking.
How to rest the chicken: Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
How to garnish the chicken: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
How To Make Triple Citrus Chicken Marinade
Orange, lemon, and lime provide different layers of acidity to create this well-rounded chicken marinade. It’s a mix of sweet, tangy, and prickly sour.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Marinade:
- ½cupfresh navel orange juice
- 2tspfresh orange zest
- 2tbspfresh lemon juice
- 1tsplemon zest
- 2tbspfresh lime juice
- ½tsplime zest
- ¼cupolive oil
- 3tbspshallot,or red onion, chopped
- 1tbspfresh garlic,minced
- 1tbspfresh rosemary,chopped, or 1 tsp dried
- 2tspdijon mustard
- 2tsphoney
- 1½tspsalt,or to taste
- ½tspfreshly ground black pepper
- 6ozchicken breasts,or thighs, 4-5 boneless skinless
Instructions
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In a mixing bowl whisk together all ingredients except chicken until well combined.
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Place chicken in a gallon size resealable bag or dish.
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Pour marinade over chicken. Transfer to refrigerator and let rest at least 1 hour and up to 6 hours.
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Preheat a grill over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook on the grill until center registers 165 degrees F in the center of thickest portion, turning once halfway through cooking.
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Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 186.75kcal
- Fat: 14.13g
- Saturated Fat: 2.43g
- Trans Fat: 0.04g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.24g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.84g
- Carbohydrates: 8.05g
- Fiber: 0.66g
- Sugar: 5.20g
- Protein: 7.71g
- Cholesterol: 21.77mg
- Sodium: 224.12mg
- Calcium: 18.83mg
- Potassium: 177.43mg
- Iron: 0.57mg
- Vitamin A: 11.61µg
- Vitamin C: 19.58mg
Expert Advice for Mastering Triple Citrus Chicken Marinade
To ensure your chicken absorbs the maximum flavor from the marinade, make small incisions on the chicken breast before marinating. This allows the marinade to penetrate deeper into the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy chicken. Also, remember to turn the chicken occasionally while it's marinating to ensure every part of the chicken is well-coated.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Triple Citrus Chicken Marinade
Plan ahead: Prep all your ingredients and tools before you start cooking to streamline the process.
Multi-task: Look for opportunities to combine steps, such as chopping vegetables while waiting for water to boil.
Use kitchen gadgets: Utilize tools like food processors, blenders, and slow cookers to simplify cooking tasks.
Make-ahead: Prepare components of the recipe in advance, such as marinades or sauces, to cut down on cooking time later.
One-pot meals: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup and save time.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid mistakes that could lead to time-consuming fixes.
Clean as you go: Wash dishes and tidy up while cooking to prevent a big mess at the end.
Organize your kitchen: Keep your kitchen well-organized to easily locate ingredients and tools, saving time during meal preparation.
Batch cooking: Prepare larger quantities of food and freeze the extras for quick and easy meals in the future.
Time-saving ingredients: Use pre-cut vegetables, canned beans, and other convenience items to cut down on prep time.
Substitute Ingredients For Triple Citrus Chicken Marinade Recipe
Fresh navel orange juice - Substitute with fresh tangerine juice: Tangerine juice has a similar citrusy sweetness and acidity that can work well as a substitute for orange juice in the marinade.
Fresh orange zest - Substitute with fresh tangerine zest: Tangerine zest can provide a similar citrus aroma and flavor to the marinade as orange zest.
Fresh lemon juice - Substitute with fresh grapefruit juice: Grapefruit juice can offer a tangy and citrusy flavor similar to lemon juice, adding a unique twist to the marinade.
Lemon zest - Substitute with grapefruit zest: Grapefruit zest can provide a citrusy aroma and flavor similar to lemon zest, enhancing the marinade with a different citrus profile.
Fresh lime juice - Substitute with fresh key lime juice: Key lime juice can offer a slightly sweeter and more aromatic flavor compared to regular lime juice, adding a unique twist to the marinade.
Lime zest - Substitute with key lime zest: Key lime zest can provide a similar citrusy aroma and flavor to the marinade as lime zest, with a slightly sweeter and more aromatic profile.
Olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in the marinade.
Shallot - Substitute with red onion: Red onion can provide a similar mild onion flavor and texture to the marinade as shallots.
Fresh garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a convenient option with a milder flavor in the marinade.
Fresh rosemary - Substitute with fresh thyme: Fresh thyme can offer a similar earthy and aromatic flavor to the marinade as rosemary, complementing the chicken with a different herb profile.
Dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard can provide a similar tangy and slightly spicy flavor to the marinade as Dijon mustard, with added texture from the mustard seeds.
Honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can offer a sweet and slightly caramelized flavor similar to honey, adding a unique sweetness to the marinade.
Salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for regular salt, providing a similar level of salinity to the marinade.
Freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can offer a milder and slightly floral flavor compared to black pepper, adding a different dimension of heat to the marinade.
Presentation Tips for a Stunning Citrus Chicken Dish
Elevate the flavors with triple citrus marinade: The marinade made with fresh orange juice, lemon juice, and lime juice will infuse the chicken with a burst of citrusy goodness, providing a refreshing and vibrant flavor profile.
Grill to perfection: Ensure the chicken is perfectly grilled, with beautiful grill marks and a juicy, tender interior. The grill marks will add a touch of rustic charm to the dish, while the succulent chicken will be a delight for the palate.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and a hint of earthy freshness. The vibrant green hues will contrast beautifully with the golden-brown chicken, creating an enticing visual appeal.
Serve with a side of couscous: Accompany the citrus-infused chicken with a light and fluffy side of couscous. The delicate texture of the couscous will complement the bold flavors of the marinade, creating a harmonious balance on the plate.
Artfully arrange on the plate: Present the dish with an artistic flair, arranging the grilled chicken and couscous in an elegant manner. Pay attention to the placement of each element to create a visually stunning presentation that will captivate the judges' eyes.
Storing and Freezing Tips for Triple Citrus Chicken Marinade
To store the triple citrus chicken marinade, transfer it to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing the container or bag. The marinade can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
If you have leftover marinated chicken, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to consume the chicken within this time frame for the best quality and safety.
To freeze the triple citrus chicken marinade, pour it into a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing the container or bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification. The marinade can be frozen for up to 3 months.
When you're ready to use the frozen marinade, transfer it to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Once thawed, use the marinade within 2 days and discard any unused portion.
If you have marinated chicken that you want to freeze, place the chicken and the marinade in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing the container or bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents. Marinated chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months.
To use the frozen marinated chicken, transfer it to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Once thawed, cook the chicken within 1-2 days for the best quality and safety. Do not refreeze the chicken once it has been thawed.
How To Reheat Leftover Citrus Chicken
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Drizzle a little olive oil over the chicken to help keep it moist. Cover the chicken loosely with another piece of foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.
For a quicker option, you can use the microwave. Place the leftover triple citrus chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. This will help keep the chicken moist and prevent it from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. The exact time will depend on the amount of chicken and the power of your microwave.
If you have a lot of leftover marinade, you can use it to reheat the chicken on the stovetop. Place the chicken and marinade in a skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is heated through and the marinade is bubbling. This method will infuse the chicken with even more of the delicious citrus flavor.
For a tasty twist, slice the leftover triple citrus chicken and use it to top a salad. The cold chicken will be a refreshing contrast to the crisp greens, and the citrus marinade will double as a flavorful dressing.
If you're feeling adventurous, shred the leftover chicken and use it as a filling for tacos or burritos. The bright, zesty flavor of the triple citrus marinade will pair perfectly with your favorite Mexican-inspired toppings, like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
Interesting Trivia About Citrus Chicken Marinades
Triple citrus chicken marinade recipe is a delicious and healthy way to add flavor to your chicken. The combination of orange, lemon, and lime juices adds a bright and tangy flavor to the chicken, while the honey and Dijon mustard provide a touch of sweetness and depth. This marinade not only infuses the chicken with amazing citrus flavors but also helps to tenderize the meat, making it juicy and flavorful. It's a perfect recipe for grilling and can be served with a variety of sides for a complete meal.
Budget-Friendly: Making Triple Citrus Chicken Marinade at Home
The cost-effectiveness of this triple citrus chicken marinade recipe is quite favorable. The ingredients, such as fresh citrus fruits, olive oil, and chicken breasts, are reasonably priced and readily available. The marinade's use of fresh, simple ingredients adds value to the dish. The approximate cost for a household of four people is around $15-$20, making it an affordable and flavorful option. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 9/10, as it offers a delightful balance of citrus flavors and is a cost-effective choice for a family meal.
Is This Citrus Chicken Marinade Healthy?
This triple citrus chicken marinade recipe is a healthy choice for several reasons:
- The marinade is packed with vitamin C from the citrus fruits, which supports immune function and skin health
- Olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
- Garlic and shallots offer antioxidants and potential cardiovascular benefits
- Rosemary contains compounds that may have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties
- The recipe uses lean chicken breast, a great source of protein
However, the marinade is quite high in sodium due to the 1½ tsp of salt. Consuming excessive sodium can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the salt content by half or use a low-sodium substitute like potassium chloride
- Add more herbs and spices, such as thyme, oregano, or red pepper flakes, to boost flavor without increasing sodium
- Incorporate additional vegetables into the meal, such as grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or a side salad, to increase fiber and nutrient intake
- Opt for organic chicken when possible to minimize exposure to antibiotics and hormones
- Use a healthier cooking method, such as baking or air frying, to reduce the formation of harmful compounds that can occur during high-heat grilling
Editor's Opinion: Why This Citrus Chicken Marinade Is a Must-Try
The triple citrus chicken marinade recipe is a delightful blend of fresh and zesty flavors that will elevate your chicken to a whole new level. The combination of orange, lemon, and lime juices, along with the aromatic shallots, garlic, and rosemary, creates a vibrant and tangy marinade that infuses the chicken with a burst of citrusy goodness. The addition of Dijon mustard and honey adds depth and balance to the marinade, resulting in juicy, flavorful chicken with a hint of sweetness. This recipe is a perfect choice for a light and refreshing meal, and it's sure to impress your guests with its bright and lively flavors.
Enhance Your Triple Citrus Chicken Marinade Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Triple Citrus Chicken Marinade
Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Triple Citrus Chicken Marinade
Why trust this Triple Citrus Chicken Marinade Recipe:
This recipe offers a burst of freshness with citrus juices and zests, infusing the chicken with vibrant flavors. The combination of orange, lemon, and lime creates a harmonious balance, while the addition of shallots, garlic, and rosemary enhances depth. The use of olive oil ensures succulent and tender chicken breasts, while the touch of honey and dijon mustard adds a hint of sweetness and complexity. Trust in the quality and harmony of these ingredients to elevate your culinary experience.
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