Orange Dijon Grilled Chicken Recipe That Wows

The vibrant orange dijon grilled chicken combines zesty citrus notes with tangy mustard in a mouthwatering marinade that changes ordinary poultry into an extraordinary meal.

Bright, bold flavors dance across your palate with each succulent bite of this crowd-pleasing dish.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients create a harmonious blend that elevates simple protein to gourmet status.

Fresh, aromatic herbs and carefully balanced seasonings infuse the chicken with remarkable depth and complexity.

Succulent meat absorbs the marinade’s rich, layered characteristics, promising a dining experience that feels simultaneously sophisticated and comforting.

Home cooks can easily master this recipe, turning standard ingredients into something truly spectacular.

Your dinner guests will be impressed by the restaurant-quality results achieved with minimal effort.

The Appeal of Orange Dijon Grilled Chicken

• Burst with Zesty Flavor: The combination of orange juice and Dijon mustard creates a tangy, bright marinade that transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering dish packed with vibrant citrus and sharp mustard notes.
• Master Easy Gourmet Cooking: This recipe simplifies restaurant-quality grilling with straightforward ingredients and simple preparation, making it perfect for home cooks wanting to elevate their meal without complex techniques.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution: Marinating overnight means minimal morning prep, allowing busy individuals to come home and grill a delicious meal in under 15 minutes, saving time without compromising on taste.
• Versatile Protein Powerhouse: Grilled chicken becomes an adaptable main course that pairs beautifully with multiple side dishes, from fresh salads to roasted vegetables, making it an ideal option for diverse meal planning.

What You’ll Need for Orange Dijon Grilled Chicken

• Olive Oil: Helps blend flavors and prevents chicken from sticking during grilling.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Orange Juice: Provides citrusy sweetness and helps create a vibrant flavor profile.
• Brown Sugar: Adds depth of sweetness and helps create caramelization on the chicken.
• Dijon Mustard: Brings sharp, zesty flavor and helps emulsify the marinade.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that absorbs marinade flavors and grills beautifully.

• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and enhances overall savory notes.
• Salt: Balances and elevates the marinade's complex flavor profile.

How to Grill Orange Dijon Chicken to Perfection

Step 1: Prepare Zesty Marinade

• Olive oil
• Apple cider vinegar
• Fresh orange juice
• Brown sugar
• Dijon mustard
• Minced garlic
• Salt

Step 2: Marinate Chicken

Place chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure every inch gets coated. Seal and refrigerate for 4-8 hours to let flavors dance and penetrate the meat.

Step 3: Preheat Grill

Fire up the grill to medium heat (around 375-400°F). Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Grill Chicken

Remove chicken from marinade and discard the remaining liquid. Place chicken on the grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side, turning once. Look for golden-brown exterior and check internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after grilling to lock in juices. Plate with crisp mixed greens or roasted seasonal vegetables for a complete, vibrant meal.

Tips to Enhance That Citrus Mustard Flavor

• Marinate Smartly: Let chicken soak in the orange Dijon mixture for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to maximize flavor penetration and tenderness.
• Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F, preventing dryness while guaranteeing safe consumption.
• Grill with Precision: Clean and oil grill grates before cooking to prevent sticking and create beautiful golden-brown sear marks.
• Resting is Key: Allow grilled chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking, which helps redistribute juices and keeps meat incredibly juicy.
• Flavor Boost: Reserve a small amount of marinade before adding raw chicken to brush onto cooked meat for an extra flavor punch, enhancing the orange Dijon profile.

Keeping and Reusing Grilled Chicken Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Orange Dijon Grilled Chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Freeze: Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen chicken maintains quality for 2-3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Reheat: Warm chicken gently in the microwave using 30-second intervals, checking temperature between each interval. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving to guarantee food safety.

What to Serve with Orange Dijon Chicken

• Zesty Citrus Refreshment: Pair this tangy orange Dijon grilled chicken with a crisp, chilled sauvignon blanc that complements the bright citrus notes and cuts through the richness of the meat.
• Herb-Infused Companion: Serve alongside a fresh arugula salad with a light lemon vinaigrette to enhance the orange and mustard flavors, creating a balanced and vibrant plate.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Sides: Roast sweet potato wedges with rosemary and garlic to match the grilled chicken's caramelized exterior and provide a complementary earthy sweetness that elevates the entire dish.
• Cool Cucumber Contrast: Add a cucumber and dill salad with a light yogurt dressing to bring a cooling element that balances the chicken's bold, zesty marinade and provides a refreshing texture contrast.

Recipe Variations for Orange Dijon Chicken

• Citrus Herb Sensation: Enhance the marinade by adding fresh rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest for a bright, aromatic flavor profile that complements the orange and dijon base.
• Spicy Southwestern Kick: Incorporate chili powder, cumin, and a dash of cayenne pepper to transform the marinade into a zesty, southwestern-inspired coating that adds heat and depth.
• Asian-Inspired Fusion: Replace apple cider vinegar with rice vinegar, add soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of sesame oil to create an east-meets-west flavor combination that elevates the chicken's taste.
• Honey Maple Glaze: Swap brown sugar with a blend of honey and maple syrup, creating a slightly sweeter marinade that caramelizes beautifully on the grill and adds a rich, golden finish to the chicken.

Orange Dijon Grilled Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty orange dijon grilled chicken delivers a tangy Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that elevates weeknight dinners. Marinated chicken breasts glazed with citrus and mustard create a deliciously balanced meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Marinade Base:

• ¼ cup (59 ml) olive oil
• ¼ cup (59 ml) apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup (100 grams) brown sugar
• 1 orange, juiced
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) dijon mustard

Seasoning:

• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by blending tangy apple cider vinegar, zesty orange juice, rich olive oil, caramelizing brown sugar, robust dijon mustard, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt in a mixing vessel.
2. Transfer chicken breasts into a sealable container or flat-bottomed dish, thoroughly drenching them with the prepared marinade to ensure complete flavor penetration.
3. Allow the chicken to luxuriate in the marinade within the refrigerator, letting the ingredients meld and intensify for several hours or throughout the night.
4. Prepare the grill, heating it to a moderate temperature that will create perfect sear marks and seal in the chicken’s juiciness.
5. Carefully extract the chicken from its marinade bath, discarding the remaining liquid to prevent cross-contamination.
6. Position the marinated chicken onto the preheated grill, cooking each side for approximately 6-7 minutes until a golden-brown exterior develops and the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F (75°C).
7. Plate the succulent grilled chicken alongside crisp, verdant salad greens or caramelized roasted vegetables to complete this flavor-packed meal.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for maximum flavor by letting it soak in the zesty orange-Dijon mixture for at least 4 hours or overnight.
• Discard used marinade to prevent cross-contamination and ensure food safety when grilling chicken.
• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken is fully cooked at 165°F (75°C).
• Grill chicken over medium heat to achieve perfect golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
• Pair with fresh salad or roasted vegetables to create a balanced, nutritious meal that complements the tangy chicken.
• Let grilled chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to help retain moisture and distribute juices evenly.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg