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Grilled Duck Breasts with Orange Chipotle Sauce

This sophisticated grilled duck breast recipe brings a contemporary twist to the classic combination of citrus and poultry. The richness of the duck is perfectly balanced by a vibrant orange and lime glaze, while the addition of smoky chipotle chillies adds a gentle, warming heat. It is a wonderful choice for an elegant Friday night dinner or a weekend gathering when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

As a naturally dairy-free dish, it is incredibly versatile and fits seamlessly into various dietary requirements. By scoring the skin and grilling it carefully, you achieve a beautifully crisp finish while keeping the meat tender and pink. Serve these thin, succulent slices alongside roasted root vegetables or a fresh, seasonal green salad for a light yet satisfying meal that highlights high-quality British produce.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Grilled Duck Breasts with Orange Chipotle Sauce

  • 600ml fresh orange juice

  • 60ml fresh lime juice

  • 45ml maple syrup (preferably dark amber or Grade B)

  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped canned chipotle chillies in adobo

  • 1 (3- to 4-inch) cinnamon stick

  • 2 whole cloves

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 3 (1-lb) boneless Muscovy duck breasts with skin or 6 (7- to 230g ) Long Island (also called Pekin) duck breast halves with skin

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

  • 1/2 teaspoons black pepper

  • an instant-read thermometer

How to make Grilled Duck Breasts with Orange Chipotle Sauce

Boil all sauce ingredients in a 2- to 3-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat, skimming foam occasionally, until syrupy and reduced to about 240ml , 30 to 40 minutes. Let stand while duck broils.

Remove rack of a grill pan, then add 240ml water to grill pan and replace rack. Preheat grill with pan 5 to 6 inches from heat.

Pat duck breasts dry and score skin at 1-inch intervals with a sharp knife (do not cut into meat), then sprinkle all over with salt and pepper. Grill duck breasts, skin sides down, 4 minutes for Long Island duck or 8 minutes for Muscovy, then turn over and grill until thermometer inserted horizontally into centre of a breast registers 54°C (see cooks' note, below), 8 to 10 minutes more for medium-rare. Transfer to a cutting board and let stand 5 minutes. Add any juices accumulated on cutting board to sauce and simmer until slightly thickened, 1 to 2 minutes.

Holding a sharp knife at a 45-degree angle, cut each duck breast into thin slices and serve with sauce.

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.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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