Dinner

Key West Grilled Chicken with Tropical Citrus Marinade Recipe

ByJulian Dempsey January 4, 2026January 4, 2026

Introduction

Discover the bright and tangy flavors of Key West Grilled Chicken with a vibrant tropical citrus marinade. This easy grilled chicken recipe combines lime, orange, and garlic to create a perfect dish for summer cookouts or an effortless weeknight dinner.

The image shows four grilled chicken thighs on a white plate, arranged close together. Each piece of chicken has a golden-brown color with charred grill marks and is topped with finely chopped green herbs and small orange zest pieces. There is a glossy layer of sauce pooled around the base of the chicken, giving a shiny look. Bright orange lemon wedges are placed on top and between the chicken pieces, adding a fresh and vibrant contrast. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Zest of 1 lime
Zest of 1 orange
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the lime juice, orange juice, lemon juice, soy sauce, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, black pepper, lime zest, and orange zest. Whisk together until well blended to form the marinade.
Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the tropical citrus marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
Step 3: Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Discard the remaining marinade.
Step 5: Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and has nice grill marks.
Step 6: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Step 7: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with your favorite side dishes.

Tips & Variations

For an extra burst of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a hint of heat.
If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can cook the chicken using a grill pan on the stovetop.
To ensure even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before marinating.
This recipe pairs beautifully with grilled pineapple or mango salsa for a truly tropical meal.

Storage

Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave to prevent drying out. It also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows four grilled chicken thighs placed closely together on a white plate, each with a golden-brown charred surface and juicy texture. They are topped with finely chopped green herbs and orange zest adding pops of color to the dark grill marks. Around and under the chicken, there is a light golden sauce pooling softly on the plate. Between the pieces, bright orange slices stand upright, adding a vibrant contrast and freshness to the dish. The plate is set against a white marbled surface, enhancing the visual warmth of the meal. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I marinate the chicken for less than 2 hours?

Marinating for at least 2 hours helps the flavors penetrate the chicken fully. If short on time, marinate for at least 30 minutes, but longer is better for maximum flavor.