Cooking Light's Citrus Chicken

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with Cooking Light’s Citrus Chicken, a zesty and healthy recipe bursting with vibrant flavors. This dish features tender, marinated chicken breasts infused with a refreshing blend of freshly squeezed orange, lemon, and lime juices, balanced by a touch of honey and aromatic spices like cumin and paprika. Perfect for grilling or pan-searing, this quick-cooking recipe is ready in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights. The reserved citrus glaze is simmered to a luscious finish, creating a drizzle-worthy sauce that ties the dish together beautifully. Garnished with fresh cilantro, this protein-packed meal pairs perfectly with steamed vegetables, rice, or a light salad. It’s a flavorful, nutritious option that’s sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 0.5 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are an even thickness, about 1/2 inch.

Step 2

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Step 3

Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag, and pour half of the citrus mixture over the chicken. Reserve the other half for later. Seal the bag (or cover the dish) and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.

Step 4

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or heat a large skillet over medium heat on the stovetop.

Step 5

Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the used marinade. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side on the grill, or 6-8 minutes per side in the skillet, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked, registering an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 6

While the chicken is cooking, transfer the reserved citrus mixture to a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens.

Step 7

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle the thickened sauce over the chicken.

Step 8

Garnish the chicken with freshly chopped cilantro and serve immediately. Pair with a side of steamed vegetables, rice, or a light salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(966.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1626.7

Total Fat 54.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 591.6mg	0%
Sodium 2887.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 57.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.0g	0%
Total Sugars 46.0g
Protein 218.4g	0%

Vitamin D 90.5IU	0%
Calcium 139.1mg	0%
Iron 9.6mg	0%
Potassium 2240.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 30.6%

Protein: 54.9%

Carbs: 14.5%