This Citrus Grilled Hen Marinade recipe makes a juicy, flavorful dinner that tastes just like the golden hour on a heat summer season night. Contemporary orange juice, garlic, tarragon, and a contact of Dijon mustard come collectively for such a easy mix of summer season taste!

Marinade for Hen that Truly Works!
Have you ever ever felt like a marinade seems and smells wonderful however completely disappears when you cook dinner the meat?
This simple wholesome citrus grilled rooster recipe marinade is your reply to daring taste with minimal fuss. It’s juicy, tender, and simply seems fancy sufficient to make a weeknight really feel particular, regardless that you barely lifted a finger.
Wholesome BBQ Dish that ISN’T a Burger
That is our go-to recipe for summer season cookouts when burgers really feel somewhat too anticipated. The brilliant citrus, contemporary tarragon, and smoky char make this marinated rooster a complete crowd-pleaser. With simply 10 minutes of prep time and completely make-ahead pleasant, it’s your weeknight dinner hero.
This rooster marinade is nice served with 5 Minute Grilled Peach Caprese Salad, Lemon Orzo, or Strawberry Cucumber Salad!
Elements for Citrus Grilled Hen Marinade
This simple marinade retains issues easy, utilizing citrus, herbs, and garlic so as to add contemporary, vibrant taste to any minimize of rooster. Low in energy, low in sodium, and lean protein, it’s an excellent choice in the event you’re attempting to eat lighter or stick with a wholesome routine!
- Hen Breasts: Excessive protein and simple to purchase. Hen thighs work too!
- Dijon Mustard: Provides zip and helps the marinade stick.
- Orange Juice: Attempt lemon juice or lime for a good tangier twist.
- Orange Zest: Boosts citrus taste and provides freshness.
- Olive Oil: Retains the rooster moist and helps the marinade work its manner in.
- Contemporary Tarragon: A comfortable, barely candy herb with a touch of anise – excellent with citrus. (Swap with contemporary thyme or basil if wanted.)
- Sugar: Balances the acidity.
- Garlic Cloves: For that important savory punch.
- Salt: Enhances taste and retains the rooster juicy.

How one can Make Citrus Grilled HenÂ
This simple marinade delivers juicy, flavorful grilled rooster with out the fuss. Comply with these simplified steps for excellent outcomes each time.
- Make the dressing: Whisk elements collectively. Put aside.
- Combine the marinade: Mix the marinade in a medium bowl or ziplock.
- Marinate the rooster: Add the rooster and marinate within the fridge.
- Tip: Flip the bag or rooster midway via to marinate evenly.
- Grill: Cook dinner the rooster beginning at a excessive warmth to create the grill marks, then flip down.
- Relaxation and serve: Relaxation rooster underneath foil for five minutes- that is important for juicy rooster! Then Drizzle with dressing!


Storing and Freezing Citrus Grilled Hen Marinade
Retailer leftover grilled rooster in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 4 days.
Freeze cooked rooster (sliced or entire) in a freezer-safe bag for as much as 3 months. (We like to make use of our foodsaver for final taste later)
How one can Reheat Grilled Hen
Reheat gently in a lined skillet with a splash of water or oil, or within the microwave with a moist paper towel.


FAQ About Hen Marinade
Can I reuse the marinade as a sauce?
You will need to boil or closely simmer the marinade with a purpose to use it. This is the reason we make a separate dressing.
How Lengthy Can I Marinate Hen ?
You may marinate the rooster as much as 24 hours upfront, or freeze it uncooked within the marinade – simply thaw in a single day earlier than grilling.
Can I Make this on the Range or within the Oven?
You guess! If grilling isn’t an choice, bake the rooster at 425°F for 20-25 minutes or till cooked via.
Variations and Substitutions
- Attempt rooster thighs for a richer texture and deeper savory notes.
- Contemporary thyme or basil can be utilized as a substitute of tarragon if that’s what you’ve got readily available.
- Attempt honey or maple syrup as a substitute of sugar for pure sweetness with added depth.
- For a savory twist, combine in a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce, or substitute the citrus with a contact of vinegar for further tang.
- Double the dressing to make use of as a sauce for rice, potatoes, or a contemporary inexperienced salad on the aspect.


With zesty citrus, garlic, and herbs, it’s hands-down the most effective grilled rooster for laid-back dinners or sharing with pals. Tender, vibrant, and made with actual elements – it’s the sort of meal that simply feels proper on a sizzling summer season day.
Extra Flavorful Hen Recipes to Attempt
Listed here are just a few extra juicy, flavor-packed rooster recipes from our kitchen that preserve issues simple, wholesome, and something however boring:
How one can Make Simple Citrus Grilled Hen Marinade
Description
Juicy, flavorful, and simple to make, this wholesome citrus grilled rooster recipe marinade is ideal for summer season dinners and weeknight meals alike.
Recipe By: Cook dinner’s Illustrated
For the Dressing
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In a small bowl, whisk collectively the Dijon mustard, orange juice, orange zest, olive oil, tarragon, sugar, salt, and pepper. Put aside for serving later.
1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard, 1 Tablespoon Orange Juice, 1/2 teaspoon Orange Zest, 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil, 1 Tablespoon Contemporary Tarragon, 1/4 teaspoon Sugar, 1/4 teaspoon Salt, 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
For the Marinade
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In a medium bowl, whisk collectively the orange juice and zest, olive oil, tarragon, sugar, garlic, salt, and pepper.
1 Tablespoons Contemporary Orange Juice, 1 teaspoon Orange Zest, 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil, 1 Tablespoon Contemporary Tarragon, 1 teaspoon Sugar, 3 Garlic Cloves, 1 ½ teaspoons Salt, 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
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Add the rooster and marinade to a gallon-size zipper-lock bag. Seal tightly, urgent out as a lot air as potential, and switch to coat the rooster evenly.
3-4 Hen Breasts
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Refrigerate for half-hour, flipping the bag as soon as midway via.
To Grill
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Preheat the grill by turning all burners to excessive and shutting the lid for about quarter-hour, till very popular.
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Scrape the grates clear with a grill brush.
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Utilizing tongs, dip a wad of paper towels in oil and rub the grates to stop sticking.
Vegetable Oil
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Flip off all burners besides one. Go away the first burner on excessive.
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Take away the rooster from the marinade and let the surplus drip off. Place the rooster smooth-side down on the cooler aspect of the grill, with the thicker finish going through the warmth.
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Cowl and cook dinner for 6-9 minutes, till the underside develops gentle grill marks and is now not translucent.
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Flip the rooster and rotate so the thinner aspect faces the warmth. Cowl once more and cook dinner one other 6-9 minutes, till the rooster is agency and a thermometer reads 140°F within the thickest half.
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Transfer the rooster over to the new aspect of the grill. Cook dinner uncovered for 2-3 minutes per aspect, till darkish grill marks seem and the interior temperature reaches 160°F.
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Switch to a reducing board, tent with foil, and let relaxation for five minutes.
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Slice every breast on the bias into ¼-inch slices. Serve heat, drizzled with the reserved dressing.
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Drizzle with reserved dressing and serve.
Leftover grilled rooster will preserve in an hermetic container within the fridge for 3-4 days.
Energy: 538kcal