Key West Grilled Chicken with Tropical Citrus Marinade Recipe

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.

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Step 3: Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
4. Step 4: Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Discard the remaining marinade.
5. 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.
6. Step 6: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
7. 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

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.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well. Adjust cooking time to ensure thighs reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Key West Grilled Chicken with Tropical Citrus Marinade Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 781 reviews

• Author: Julian
• Total Time: 2 hrs 19 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Experience the zesty fusion of lime, orange, and garlic as you grill tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts to juicy perfection. This tropical citrus marinade infuses vibrant flavors into the chicken, making it an ideal dish for summer cookouts or casual dinners that delight the palate with a fresh, fruity twist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Marinade

• 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

Garnish

• Fresh cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the fresh 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 until the mixture is well blended and aromatic.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the tropical citrus marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to infuse deeply. For best results, marinate overnight.
3. Preheat the Grill: About 15 minutes before cooking, preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 450°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the chicken from sticking during cooking.
4. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, shaking off any excess liquid. Discard the leftover marinade. Arrange the chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Grill for 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and attractive grill marks have formed.
5. Rest and Serve: Take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve alongside your favorite summer side dishes, such as grilled pineapple or mango salsa.

Notes

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a subtle heat kick.
• This recipe is perfect for summer gatherings and pairs beautifully with tropical sides like grilled pineapple or mango salsa.
• If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can substitute using a grill pan on the stovetop, following the same cooking times.
• To ensure even cooking, consider pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness before marinating.

• Prep Time: 2 hrs
• Cook Time: 14 mins
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: grilled chicken, citrus marinade, summer recipe, tropical flavors, easy dinner, healthy grilling