Zesty Orange Dijon Grilled Chicken Recipe For Summer BBQs

Sizzling summer nights call for a tantalizing orange dijon grilled chicken that delivers a perfect balance of zesty and savory flavors.

Bright citrus notes mingle with sharp mustard undertones, creating a marinade that guarantees juicy, tender meat every time.

The combination of fresh orange juice and dijon mustard infuses each bite with a vibrant, mouthwatering profile that stands out from typical grilled chicken recipes.

Marinating the chicken allows the rich, tangy ingredients to penetrate deeply, ensuring maximum flavor absorption.

This simple yet sophisticated dish requires minimal prep work and delivers maximum taste impact.

Weeknight dinners or weekend barbecues will never be the same once you master this irresistible grilled chicken technique.

Grab your tongs and fire up the grill for a meal that promises to become a new summer favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

Orange Dijon Grilled Chicken Ingredient List

• Olive Oil: Carries flavor and helps coat chicken evenly, ensuring smooth distribution of seasonings.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness and helps tenderize the chicken for a more succulent texture.
• Orange Juice: Provides zesty citrus notes and natural sweetness to the marinade.

• Brown Sugar: Creates caramelization and balances the tangy elements with subtle sweetness.
• Dijon Mustard: Delivers sharp, complex flavor and helps bind the marinade ingredients together.
• Garlic: Introduces robust, aromatic depth and traditional savory undertones to the chicken.

• Salt: Amplifies overall taste and helps draw moisture into the chicken for better absorption of marinade flavors.

Tools for Prepping Orange Dijon Grilled Chicken

• Grill: Essential for creating those perfect, juicy char marks and cooking chicken to golden perfection.
• Medium bowl: Perfect for whisking together marinade ingredients smoothly and evenly.
• Large resealable bag or shallow dish: Ideal for marinating chicken and ensuring complete flavor coverage.
• Whisk: Great tool for blending marinade ingredients into a consistent, well-mixed sauce.
• Meat thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken's internal temperature and ensuring safe cooking.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping chicken on the grill and handling meat safely during cooking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise for accurately measuring marinade ingredients.

How to Grill Orange Dijon Chicken to Juicy Perfection

• Flavor Fusion

Combine zesty orange juice, tangy dijon mustard, and rich olive oil in a mixing container to create a mouth-watering marinade that will transform ordinary chicken.

• Chicken Preparation

Nestle chicken pieces into a sealed container, generously coating each piece with the vibrant marinade mixture and allowing it to rest in the refrigerator for maximum flavor absorption.

• Grill Master Technique

Fire up the grill to a steady medium heat, carefully positioning the marinated chicken and cooking until it develops a gorgeous golden exterior and reaches perfect inner temperature.

• Delicious Presentation

Transfer the succulent grilled chicken onto a beautiful serving plate, accompanied by crisp garden greens or colorful roasted vegetables that complement the dish’s bright flavor profile.

Tips to Enhance the Citrus Mustard Marinade

• Let the chicken soak up the zesty orange-Dijon mixture for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to maximize flavor penetration and tenderness.
• Replace chicken breasts with thighs, turkey cutlets, or even pork chops to create delightful variations that work perfectly with this tangy marinade.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise doneness, and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling to lock in those delicious juices and prevent dryness.
• Enhance the marinade by adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, or sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat that complements the citrusy notes.
• Cooked chicken stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or dinner prep throughout the week.

Serving Suggestions for Orange Dijon Grilled Chicken

• Zesty Salad Companion: Toss crisp mixed greens with segments of fresh orange, sliced almonds, and a light vinaigrette that echoes the chicken's marinade flavors.
• Mediterranean Plate Perfection: Arrange the grilled chicken over herbed couscous or quinoa, garnished with chopped parsley and a drizzle of extra orange juice for brightness.
• Rustic Veggie Pairing: Serve alongside grilled asparagus, roasted sweet potatoes, or colorful bell pepper medley to complement the chicken's tangy orange-dijon profile.
• Gourmet Sandwich Transformation: Slice the cooled chicken and layer onto crusty artisan bread with arugula, a spread of dijon mustard, and thin orange zest for a gourmet lunch option.

Storing Orange Dijon Chicken for Quick Meals

• Flavor Lock Storage: Keep marinated or grilled chicken in airtight containers within the refrigerator, staying fresh for 3-4 days. Enjoy maximum taste and quality during this window.
• Freezer Friendly Approach: Cooked chicken can be safely frozen up to 2-3 months. Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe wrap or containers to maintain moisture and prevent freezer burn.
• Meal Prep Magic: Slice extra grilled chicken and use throughout the week in salads, wraps, grain bowls, or quick lunch options. Weekend batch cooking saves time and ensures delicious protein is always ready.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated chicken gently in microwave with a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent dryness. Aim for 165°F internal temperature to ensure food safety and retain juicy texture.

Tangy Orange Dijon Grilled Chicken

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent orange dijon grilled chicken combines zesty citrus with tangy mustard for a remarkable Mediterranean-inspired dish. Marinated chicken breasts deliver complex flavors that will delight palates and elevate home cooking experiences.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• ¼ cup (59 ml) olive oil
• ¼ cup (59 ml) apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup (100 grams) brown sugar
• 1 orange, juiced
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) Dijon mustard
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp (5 grams) salt

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Instructions

1. Marinade Creation: Whisk together apple cider vinegar, orange juice, olive oil, brown sugar, dijon mustard, garlic, and salt into a harmonious blend that will infuse the chicken with vibrant, tangy flavors.
2. Marinating Process: Submerge chicken breasts completely in the prepared marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated, then refrigerate for several hours or overnight to maximize flavor absorption.
3. Grill Preparation: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, creating an ideal cooking environment for achieving perfectly caramelized exterior and juicy interior.
4. Grilling Technique: Remove chicken from marinade, discard excess liquid, and place chicken on the hot grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side, rotating to create beautiful crosshatch grill marks and ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Serving Suggestion: Transfer the golden-brown, aromatic chicken to a serving platter, accompanied by a fresh salad or roasted vegetables to complete this zesty, Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Notes

• Marinate Smartly: Aim for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow deep flavor penetration and tenderize the chicken thoroughly.
• Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F for perfect safety and juiciness without overcooking.
• Grill Technique: Clean and oil grill grates before cooking to prevent sticking and achieve beautiful caramelized sear marks.
• Resting Rule: Let grilled chicken rest 5-7 minutes after cooking to redistribute internal juices, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor retention.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg