Juicy citrus glazed chicken in a skillet with fresh citrus fruits surrounding it

Citrus fruits

zesty citrus chicken

By Ellie Parker

Published: 27 Feb 2025

This Zesty Citrus Chicken recipe is my go-to when I want a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner. It's a fantastic way to brighten up any meal, and it's always a crowd-pleaser. I even took it to my friends' last barbecue, and everyone raved about how juicy and flavorful it was. Honestly, the best compliment ever!
Close up of Zesty Citrus Chicken served on a plate with rice and roasted vegetables
This recipe uses simple ingredients but delivers big on taste. The citrus marinade is so vibrant and refreshing, it's the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory. I love the way the marinade tenderizes the chicken and gives it such a beautiful golden brown color. It's seriously addictive!
A step by step process of preparing Zesty Citrus Chicken showing the chicken being marinated, cooked, and served.

Required Equipments

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Citrus juicer (optional)

Zesty-Citrus-Chicken

This vibrant Zesty Citrus Chicken recipe is incredibly easy, juicy and flavorful and is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion. The citrus marinade is truly the star of the show!

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 4 servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. First things first, let's prep the chicken! Rinse 1.5 lbs of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs under cold water, and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This helps with browning later. Trust me on this one.
  2. Next up, the star of the show – the marinade! In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges), 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon), 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 1 clove garlic, minced, and a 1/2 teaspoon of salt. If you're feeling fancy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes!
  3. Now, place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the fridge to marinate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer, the better, really!
  4. When you're ready to cook, preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side down. Don't overcrowd the pan; you might need to cook in batches. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, until the skin is nicely golden brown and crispy. Mmm, crispy chicken!
  5. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour any remaining marinade into the skillet. Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure – its your best friend for perfect chicken!
  6. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in extra juicy and tender chicken. I learned this trick the hard way...
  7. Serve immediately. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, if desired. Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or your favorite sides. Enjoy your zesty citrus chicken! Let me know what you think!

📝 Notes

  • Always ensure your chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to prevent foodborne illness.
  • Feel free to adjust the amount of honey or soy sauce to your liking.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight!

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 350 kcal

Protein: 35 g

Fat: 20 g

Carbohydrates: 10 g

Fiber: 1 g

Calcium: 20 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

The joy of cooking is not just in the taste, but in the creation. Let your heart and your ingredients guide you.

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