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Mesquite-Grilled Chicken With Citrus Sauce

Mesquite-Grilled Chicken With Citrus Sauce recipe image
This elegant dish features tender, mesquite-smoked chicken breasts marinated in garlic, coriander, and thyme. The star is the complex citrus sauce, simmered with lemons, limes, oranges, and a splash of Grand Marnier for a bright, sweet-tart finish. The smoky char from the grill contrasts beautifully with the fresh, aromatic herbs and the silky texture of the reduced sauce. Perfect for a special weeknight dinner or a summer barbecue, it offers a sophisticated yet approachable flavor profile that feels restaurant-quality. The combination of savory smoke and zesty citrus makes this a memorable main course that balances richness with freshness.
Cooking Method: , ,
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 4
Calories: 901.9
Dietary: Gluten-free
Description
This elegant dish features tender, mesquite-smoked chicken breasts marinated in garlic, coriander, and thyme. The star is the complex citrus sauce, simmered with lemons, limes, oranges, and a splash of Grand Marnier for a bright, sweet-tart finish. The smoky char from the grill contrasts beautifully with the fresh, aromatic herbs and the silky texture of the reduced sauce. Perfect for a special weeknight dinner or a summer barbecue, it offers a sophisticated yet approachable flavor profile that feels restaurant-quality. The combination of savory smoke and zesty citrus makes this a memorable main course that balances richness with freshness.
Ingredients
  • 1 cup Vegetable oil
  • 2 Garlic cloves, crushed
  • 2 tablespoon Coriander, fresh, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Thyme leaves, fresh
  • 2 Scallions, chopped
  • 4 Chicken breasts *
  • 2 Shallots, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Ginger, fresh, minced
  • 2 tablespoon Unsalted butter
  • 2 Lemons **
  • 2 Limes **
  • 2 Oranges **
  • 2 cup Chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon Water
  • 1/4 cup +2tb Grand Marnier
Directions
  1. 1
    Prepare mesquite charcoal or wood chips according to package directions, allowing them to reach a steady, hot temperature for direct grilling.
  2. 2
    In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, crushed garlic, minced coriander, thyme leaves, and chopped scallions to create the marinade.
  3. 3
    Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, turning to coat evenly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
  4. 4
    While the chicken marinates, prepare the citrus: carefully remove the rind, pith, and membrane from the lemons, limes, and oranges using a serrated knife, then chop the fruit flesh into small pieces, reserving any juice.
  5. 5
    In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat and add the minced shallots and ginger, stirring until the shallots are soft and translucent.
  6. 6
    Add the chopped citrus fruit and reserved juices to the pan, bringing the mixture to a simmer and cooking for 10 to 12 minutes until it reduces to a syrup-like consistency.
  7. 7
    Pour in the chicken broth and increase the heat to moderate, boiling the mixture and stirring occasionally for 10 to 15 minutes until reduced by one-third.
  8. 8
    In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry.
  9. 9
    Stir the cornstarch mixture into the simmering sauce and cook for 30 seconds until thickened, then strain through a fine sieve into a clean bowl.
  10. 10
    Whisk the Grand Marnier, white pepper, and salt to taste into the strained sauce.
  11. 11
    Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before grilling.
  12. 12
    Grill the chicken on a rack set about 5 inches above the heat source, turning once, for 10 to 12 minutes total until cooked through and lightly charred.
  13. 13
    Transfer the grilled chicken to a serving platter, spoon the warm citrus sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 901.9kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 81.8g126%
Saturated Fat 17.0g85%
Cholesterol 122.9mg41%
Sodium 102.0mg5%
Total Carbohydrate 6.2g3%
Dietary Fiber 3.7g15%
Sugars 0.0g
Protein 33.6g68%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: mesquite, grilled, chicken, citrus, sauce, lemon, lime, orange, grand marnier, coriander, thyme, garlic, ginger, shallots, smoky, herb, marinade, glaze, dinner, barbecue
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/mesquite-grilled-chicken-with-citrus-sauce/