Triple Citrus Chicken Marinade
Get ready to elevate your chicken game with this vibrant and zesty Triple Citrus Chicken Marinade! Perfect for grilling, baking, or sautéing, this marinade combines the tangy flavors of fresh oranges, lemons, and limes with aromatic herbs and a touch of sweetness. Whether you’re planning a summer barbecue or a cozy weeknight dinner, this marinade will infuse your chicken with juicy flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Why This Triple Citrus Chicken Marinade Stands Out
This Triple Citrus Chicken Marinade is not just any marinade. The bright citrus notes bring a refreshing twist that complements the savory elements perfectly. The combination of orange, lemon, and lime not only adds depth of flavor but also tenderizes the chicken, ensuring each bite is succulent and juicy. The addition of shallots, garlic, and rosemary creates an aromatic profile that will have your taste buds dancing. With this marinade, your chicken will be the star of the meal, and it’s incredibly easy to prepare!
Gather These Ingredients
To make this delicious Triple Citrus Chicken Marinade, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup fresh navel orange juice
- 2 teaspoons fresh orange zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon lime zest
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons chopped shallot or red onion
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 – 5 (6 oz) boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Kitchen Gear Checklist
Before you embark on creating this delicious marinade, gather the following kitchen gear:
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements
- Mixing bowl: To combine all the marinade ingredients
- Whisk or fork: For mixing the marinade until smooth
- Resealable plastic bag or dish: For marinating the chicken
- Grill or oven: To cook the marinated chicken
Triple Citrus Chicken Marinade — Do This Next
Creating this flavorful marinade is a breeze! Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Citrus
Start by juicing the fresh navel oranges, lemons, and limes. This will provide the base for your marinade. Be sure to zest the fruits before juicing, as you’ll need that bright, aromatic zest to enhance the flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine the fresh orange juice, orange zest, lemon juice, lemon zest, lime juice, and lime zest. Whisk them together until well blended.
Step 3: Add the Savory Ingredients
To the citrus mixture, add the olive oil, chopped shallots or red onion, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk everything together until the marinade is smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Marinate the Chicken
Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally for 2 to 4 hours to let the flavors penetrate the meat.
Step 5: Cook to Perfection
Once marinated, remove the chicken from the refrigerator. Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side on the grill or bake in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions
If you’re looking to mix things up or if you don’t have certain ingredients on hand, consider these swaps:
- Use lemon juice instead of lime juice for a different citrus flavor.
- Substitute apple cider vinegar for Dijon mustard if you prefer a tangy kick.
- Try fresh thyme instead of rosemary for an herbaceous twist.
- Maple syrup can replace honey for a vegan-friendly option.
Pro Perspective
This Triple Citrus Chicken Marinade is incredibly versatile. Feel free to use it on other proteins like fish or pork. The acidity from the citrus will work wonders in tenderizing these meats as well. If you’re planning a meal prep, consider marinating a batch of chicken and freezing it for later use. Just thaw and cook when you’re ready for a quick, flavorful dinner!
Store, Freeze & Reheat
Any leftover marinade can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, once it has come into contact with raw chicken, it should be discarded or boiled before using it as a sauce. For marinated chicken, if you want to freeze it, simply place the marinated chicken in a freezer bag and store it for up to three months. When ready to cook, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then grill or bake as directed.
Reader Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this marinade?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first before marinating. This allows the marinade to penetrate the meat more effectively, enhancing the flavor and tenderness.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, aim for 2 to 4 hours. If you marinate it longer than 12 hours, the citrus can start to break down the meat too much, making it mushy.
What if I don’t have fresh citrus fruits?
If fresh citrus is unavailable, you can use bottled citrus juices, but be aware that they may contain preservatives and lack the bright flavor of fresh juice. Aim for 100% juice with no added sugars if you go this route.
Can I add more spices to the marinade?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or chili powder for an extra kick. Just be mindful not to overpower the lovely citrus flavors.
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The Takeaway
Incorporating this Triple Citrus Chicken Marinade into your cooking repertoire will add a burst of flavor to your meals that everyone will love. The balance of citrus and savory ingredients creates a marinade that not only enhances the chicken but also makes mealtime a delightful experience. Whether you’re grilling in the backyard or cooking up a quick dinner during the week, this marinade is sure to impress. So grab those vibrant citrus fruits and get ready to savor every bite of this delicious chicken dish!
Triple Citrus Chicken Marinade
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by juicing the fresh navel oranges, lemons, and limes. Be sure to zest the fruits before juicing.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the fresh orange juice, orange zest, lemon juice, lemon zest, lime juice, and lime zest. Whisk until well blended.
- Add the olive oil, chopped shallots or red onion, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper to the citrus mixture. Whisk until smooth.
- Place the chicken into a resealable plastic bag or dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it's well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally for 2 to 4 hours.
- Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side on the grill or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Notes
- For a different flavor, substitute lemon juice for lime juice.
- Marinate chicken for 2 to 4 hours for best results.
- Store leftover marinade in an airtight container for up to a week.
