Hello, fellow nutrition-seekers! Juliette here from Busy Mom Simple Nutrition. 👋 I know we’re all juggling a million things, so I’m always on the lookout for sanity-saving nutrition that fits into our crazy lives. That’s why I’m so excited to share this Citrus BBQ Chicken Recipe with you!

I’ll never forget the first time I made this Citrus BBQ Chicken Recipe. My oldest was going through a major picky eating phase, and I was desperate for a dinnertime nutrition win. I stumbled upon a recipe that looked promising, but I knew I could tweak it to be even more nutritious.

I remember the citrusy aroma filling the kitchen, and the nervous anticipation as my kids took their first bites. To my surprise, they devoured it! The bright flavors and tender chicken were a hit. This Citrus BBQ Chicken Recipe quickly became a family favorite, and I knew I had struck gold. The best part? It was packed with vitamins and protein, a total nutrition win for this busy mom!

This Citrus BBQ Chicken Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a symbol of how simple, nourishing food can bring our families together. It truly supports our family nutrition goals. It has been a journey to figure out which meals nourish our family without sacrificing taste. I know that other busy moms are seeking the same simple nutrition, and I’m so glad you’re here! Let’s get cooking!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Trust me, this Citrus BBQ Chicken Recipe ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity! I’ve made it easy to find everything at your regular grocery store. It is all about nutrition with the least complexity!

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides lean protein for healthy muscles.
1/2 cup orange juice: Adds natural sweetness and vitamin C. My family gets extra nutrition when I add a splash more!
1/4 cup lemon juice: Brightens the flavor and aids digestion.
1/4 cup lime juice: Complements the orange and lemon, adding another layer of flavor.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Healthy fat for heart health.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Flavor booster and immune support. You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store, too!
1 tablespoon honey: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps the Citrus glaze chicken stick to the chicken. No worries if you don’t have honey – I use maple syrup for extra nutrients in my Citrus BBQ Chicken Recipe.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a smoky depth of flavor.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a hint of spice.
Optional: orange slices, lemon slices, lime slices: For garnish and extra citrus flavor.

This Citrus BBQ Chicken Recipe proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive. You likely have many of these ingredients on hand already! Here’s a Citrus BBQ Chicken Recipe nutrition hack that changed our family’s health: I always buy extra citrus when it’s on sale and freeze the juice in ice cube trays for later use. This makes it easy to add a boost of vitamin C to our meals any time!

Let’s Make it Happen!

Okay, fellow nutrition-seekers, let’s get started on this delicious Citrus BBQ Chicken Recipe! It’s so easy, you’ll be amazed.

Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, honey, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and make sure they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. This Citrus marinated chicken step is important for flavor! In my busy kitchen, this nutritious Citrus BBQ Chicken Recipe usually takes about 15 minutes to prep, including the marinating.
Preheat your grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat. If you don’t have a grill, you can also use a grill pan on your stovetop or bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C). While your Citrus BBQ Chicken Recipe is cooking, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family!
Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the preheated grill. Discard the marinade. Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Don’t worry if your Citrus BBQ Chicken Recipe looks a little charred – that’s just the sugars in the citrus caramelizing!
Baste with Citrus Glaze (Optional): If you want an extra layer of flavor, you can brush the chicken with a Citrus glaze chicken made from reserved marinade during the last few minutes of grilling. Be sure to bring it to a boil first, cooking it for a minimum of 1 minute, to avoid contaminating the chicken.
Rest: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken. Here’s where I used to struggle with my Citrus BBQ Chicken Recipe – I would slice it too soon, and the chicken would be dry. Learn from my experience! This is the perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
Garnish and serve: Garnish with orange slices, lemon slices, or lime slices, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy this Grilled citrus chicken. Your Citrus BBQ Chicken Recipe should smell nourishing by now.

This Citrus BBQ Chicken Recipe is so versatile and forgiving. Feel free to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts. Here’s a nutrition shortcut for us busy moms: I often grill a big batch of chicken on the weekend and use it in salads, wraps, and bowls throughout the week. This Citrus BBQ Chicken Recipe is great for meal prepping!

How We Love to Eat This!

The kids devour this nutritious Citrus BBQ Chicken Recipe when I serve it with rice and steamed broccoli. The bright flavors of the chicken pair perfectly with the simple sides. This Citrus BBQ Chicken Recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast!

Here are some other ways we love to enjoy this Citrus BBQ Chicken Recipe:

Salads: Slice the chicken and add it to a bed of mixed greens with your favorite veggies and a light vinaigrette.
Wraps: Wrap the chicken in a whole-wheat tortilla with lettuce, tomato, and avocado.
Bowls: Serve the chicken over quinoa or brown rice with roasted vegetables.
Tacos: Shred the chicken and use it as a filling for tacos with your favorite toppings.

This Citrus BBQ Chicken Recipe is also perfect for picnics, potlucks, and barbecues. I always get rave reviews when I bring it to gatherings. My friends and family love the flavor and I love that I’m bringing something so nutritous. It is a dinner time nutrition win. For presentation, I like to arrange the sliced chicken on a platter with colorful sides and garnishes. It makes the meal look even more appealing!

For seasonal variations, try adding different herbs and spices to the marinade. In the summer, I like to add fresh cilantro and jalapeno for a zesty kick. In the fall, I add cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor. We always have leftovers. I like to shred the leftovers and add them to soup or chili for an extra boost of protein. The possibilities are endless!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

I know you probably have some questions about this Citrus BBQ Chicken Recipe, so I’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you out.

Q: Is this Citrus BBQ Chicken Recipe really nutritious enough for growing kids?

A: Absolutely! This Citrus BBQ Chicken Recipe is packed with lean protein, vitamins, and minerals. Chicken is a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues. The citrus juices provide vitamin C, which is important for immune function. And the olive oil provides healthy fats, which are important for brain development. It’s a great way to ensure our growing kiddos are getting the nutrients they need. This recipe ticks all the boxes for simple nutrition!

Q: What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Citrus BBQ Chicken Recipe?

A: I get it! Picky eaters can be a challenge. Start by offering a small portion alongside something they already enjoy. You can also try cutting the chicken into fun shapes or serving it with a dipping sauce they like. Sometimes, just getting them involved in the cooking process can make them more willing to try new things. I learned from personal experience that the bright, appealing Citrus glaze chicken can really attract those picky eaters. Don’t worry!

Q: Can I meal prep this Citrus BBQ Chicken Recipe for busy weeks ahead?

A: Yes! This Citrus BBQ Chicken Recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You can also grill the chicken and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken in the microwave or oven. This Citrus marinated chicken is great for on-the-go nutrition.

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

A: Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before marinating. Thawing them in the refrigerator overnight is the safest method. This will ensure that the chicken marinates evenly and cooks properly. The proper chicken prep here is a great nutrition move!

Q: What side dishes go well with this Citrus BBQ Chicken Recipe?

A: I love serving this Citrus BBQ Chicken Recipe with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. It also pairs well with grilled corn on the cob, sweet potato fries, or black beans. I’ve found that keeping the sides simple allows the flavors of the chicken to really shine.

Q: Can I bake this chicken in the oven instead of grilling it?

A: Yes! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baking is a great option when the weather isn’t ideal for grilling.

Q: Is there a spicier version of the Citrus BBQ Chicken Recipe I can make?

A: Absolutely! Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a little heat. You can also add a finely chopped jalapeno pepper to the marinade for a more intense flavor. My husband loves it when I add a little kick.

Final Thoughts:

I truly believe this Citrus BBQ Chicken Recipe can be a game-changer for busy families seeking simple nutrition. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and good for you. What’s better than that?

My Citrus BBQ Chicken Recipe Nutrition Hacks:

Marinate ahead: Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Grill in bulk: Grill extra chicken and use it in meals throughout the week.
Add veggies: Serve with a variety of colorful vegetables for a balanced meal.

Here are some family-tested healthy Citrus BBQ Chicken Recipe variations:

Honey-Lime: Use lime juice instead of lemon juice and add a tablespoon of honey to the marinade. My kids love this version!
Spicy Orange: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes and a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the marinade.
Lemon-Herb: Add a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano, to the marinade. I prefer this nutritious version.

I hope you’ll give this nourishing Citrus BBQ Chicken Recipe a try and make it your own. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create a version that your family will love. I know you can do it! For more simple nutrition ideas for busy families, check out my recipe for Turmeric Chicken Soup! You can also try out my Chicken Pot Pie Soup! And be sure to try my Chicken Parmesan Soup!

I hope this Citrus BBQ Chicken Recipe helps you achieve your family’s nutrition goals and brings some dinnertime nutrition wins to your home. Remember, simple nutrition is the key to a happy and healthy family!

Enjoy this Citrus BBQ Chicken Recipe, fellow moms, and remember – you’re doing an amazing job! Don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions you may have! If your kids love this wholesome recipe, they’ll go crazy for this one.

Citrus BBQ Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

This Citrus BBQ Chicken recipe delivers a burst of refreshing flavor. Marinated in a tangy citrus blend and grilled to perfection, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Author: Juliette
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Grilled
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup BBQ sauce

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a large bowl or resealable bag, combine orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
Preheat grill to medium heat.
Remove chicken from marinade and discard the marinade.
Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the chicken generously with BBQ sauce.
Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with your favorite side dishes, such as grilled corn, coleslaw, or potato salad. For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice after grilling.