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Citrus Dijon Grilled Chicken Marinade

Citrus Dijon grilled chicken marinade delivers tangy chicken with bright citrus and golden, juicy results. Marinate, grill to 165°F, and rest for tender slices with an elegant French-American flavor.
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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
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken marinade
  • 2 lb chicken Any cut works; adjust grilling time by thickness.
  • 0.25 cup olive oil
  • 0.25 cup Dijon mustard
  • 0.25 cup orange juice
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 garlic Minced garlic.
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 0.25 salt Use to taste.
  • 0.25 pepper Use to taste.

Equipment

  • 1 grill

Method
 

Make the marinade
  1. Whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, orange juice, lemon juice, garlic, honey, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth and fully combined (no visible mustard streaks).
  2. Place the chicken in a large zip-top bag and pour the marinade over it, then seal and gently press to coat all pieces.
  3. Marinate in the refrigerator for 2-8 hours, turning the bag once halfway for even flavor.
Grill the chicken
  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat until hot (about 375–450°F).
  2. Grill chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, timing varying by cut and thickness; move pieces as needed for even browning.
  3. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving so juices redistribute, then plate with lemon and orange slices and fresh herbs.

Notes

For best flavor, pat the chicken lightly before grilling so excess marinade doesn’t burn on the grates, and always rely on the 165°F internal temperature for doneness. Refrigerate marinating chicken in a sealed bag for up to 8 hours (do not reuse leftover marinade unless boiled after contact with raw chicken). Freeze cooked chicken up to 2-3 months; reheat gently to keep it juicy. If you want it dairy-free and still tangy, use the same recipe since it’s already dairy-free.