Grilled Citrus Chicken Under a Brick
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026
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This citrus grilled chicken under a brick is a vibrant and aromatic dish that brings a burst of Mediterranean sunshine to your barbecue. By marinating the chicken in a zesty blend of orange, lime and lemon juice, the meat stays incredibly succulent while the fresh oregano and rosemary provide a fragrant, savoury depth. Weighting the bird down with a foil-wrapped brick or a heavy pan ensures maximum contact with the grill, resulting in a beautifully even cook and irresistibly crispy skin.
As a diabetes-friendly option, this recipe focuses on lean protein and natural aromatics rather than sugary glazes or heavy sauces. It is a fantastic choice for a healthy family lunch or a summer dinner party, served alongside a crisp green salad or roasted Mediterranean vegetables. The charred orange wedges provided at the end add a final hit of caramelised acidity that perfectly balances the smoky flavours of the grill.
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Ingredients for Grilled Citrus Chicken Under a Brick
240ml fresh orange juice
80ml fresh lime juice
60ml fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh oregano
3 teaspoons salt, divided
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 whole chicken (about 1.7kg), neck and giblets removed, butterflied
1 teaspoon Hungarian sweet paprika
1 teaspoon black pepper
Nonstick vegetable oil spray
1 1/2 oranges
2 foil-wrapped bricks or 1 cast-iron skillet
How to make Grilled Citrus Chicken Under a Brick
Whisk juices, olive oil, oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, rosemary, and garlic in glass baking dish. Add chicken to marinade. Turn to coat; chill 2 hours, turning occasionally. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Keep chilled.
Mix remaining 2 teaspoons salt, paprika, and pepper in small bowl.
Spray grill rack with nonstick spray. Prepare barbecue (medium heat). Slice 1/2 orange into 1/4- to 1/8-inch-thick slices. Remove chicken from marinade; pat dry. Loosen skin from chicken breast and slide 1 to 2 orange slices between skin and breast. Loosen skin from thighs and slide 1 to 2 orange slices between skin and thighs. Rub paprika mixture over both sides of chicken. Place chicken, skin side down, on grill. Place foil-wrapped bricks or cast-iron skillet atop chicken (if using bricks, position 1 brick over top half of chicken and 1 brick over bottom half). Cover and grill until skin is crispy and brown, about 15 minutes. Remove bricks or skillet. Using tongs or 2 large spatulas, turn chicken. Replace bricks or skillet and cook, covered, until chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes longer. Let chicken rest 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, place whole orange on grill and cook until slightly charred, turning often, about 1 minute. Cut into wedges and serve alongside for squeezing over chicken.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
16 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

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