Citrus Chicken Breast Marinade
User Reviews
4.4
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Additional Time
2 hrs
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Total Time
2 hrs 15 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
401 kcal
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
American
Citrus Chicken Breast Marinade
Description
The Citrus Chicken Breast Marinade uses a blend of citrus juices and zests from orange and lime combined with minced garlic and spices such as oregano and paprika to impart both acidity and aromatic notes. The vegetable oil helps distribute flavors evenly while keeping the chicken moist. The marinade effectively tenderizes the chicken breasts during refrigeration for 2 to 6 hours, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
Cooking the marinated chicken over a hot grill develops light char and caramelization, balancing the bright acidity with smoky undertones. The resulting chicken breast is juicy with a tangy, herbaceous flavor due to the well-rounded blend of citrus, garlic, and spices. Thin-cut or butterfly-cut chicken helps reduce cooking time and ensures even doneness.
Serving the chicken with fresh slices of orange and lime and sprinkled parsley adds refreshing color and complements the zesty marinade. This dish works well for casual grilling meals or as a flavorful protein to pair with salads or side dishes.
The recipe includes alternatives for stovetop cooking or baking at 400°F, offering flexibility in preparation. Ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F guarantees safe, thoroughly cooked meat with tender juiciness from the marinade.
Ingredients
- ½ cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (1 orange)
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons lime zest (2 limes)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 4 garlic minced, cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon oregano dried
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 4 chicken breast about 1 pound
- parsley chopped (for garnish, fresh
- orange for garnish, sliced
- lime for garnish, sliced
Instructions
- Whisk together orange juice and zest, lime juice and zest, oil, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika in a mixing bowl.
- Place chicken breasts in a gallon-sized zip top bag. Pour in marinade. Seal bag and work marinade over chicken. Place on a plate and refrigerate for 2 hours (up to 6 hours).
- Preheat grill. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, flipping once. (3 to 4 minutes per side for thin cut breasts.) Check to ensure chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- Remove chicken to a serving plate. Garnish with orange and lime slices and parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Using thin cut or butterfly-split chicken breasts shortens cooking time and promotes even cooking.
- You can bake the marinated chicken at 400°F for about 24 minutes as an alternative to grilling.
- For stovetop cooking, sauté the chicken over medium heat for about 10 minutes, flipping once, until no longer pink and juices run clear.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 401 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 401kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 6g | 2% |
| Protein | 48g | 96% |
| Fat | 19g | 29% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Cholesterol | 144mg | 48% |
| Sodium | 554mg | 23% |
| Potassium | 927mg | 20% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 255IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 26.6mg | 30% |
| Calcium | 24mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1.1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.4
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