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Citrus Dijon Grilled Chicken Marinade

Citrus Dijon grilled chicken marinade gives tender, golden, juicy chicken with bright citrus and tangy Dijon. This easy marinade is whisked and used to season the chicken before grilling to 165°F.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
marinating 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: French-American
Calories: 430
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

chicken
  • 2 lb chicken (any cut)
marinade
  • 0.25 cup olive oil
  • 0.25 cup Dijon mustard
  • 0.25 cup orange juice
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • 1 grill

Method
 

Make the citrus Dijon marinade
  1. Whisk olive oil, Dijon mustard, orange juice, lemon juice, garlic, honey, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth and evenly combined, with a glossy golden-brown look.
Marinate the chicken
  1. Place chicken in a large zip-top bag and pour the marinade over it so the pieces are coated.
  2. Refrigerate the bag for 2-8 hours, flipping once halfway if you can, until the chicken looks more deeply colored and lightly glossy.
Grill
  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat until the grates are hot, about ready to sizzle when a drop of marinade hits.
  2. Grill chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, timing varies by cut, and turn as needed for golden grill marks.
  3. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling, tenting loosely if possible, so the juices settle and the surface stays moist.

Notes

For best flavor, pat the chicken dry right before it hits the grill so you get caramelized, golden edges instead of steaming. Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container for up to 3-4 days; freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. For a lighter swap, use reduced-sugar honey or omit honey and add an extra 1 tbsp orange juice for a less sweet tang.