Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is easy to prepare, packed with fresh flavor, and ideal for grilling season. It produces juicy chicken with a bright, well-balanced marinade that appeals to a wide range of tastes.
Key West Grilled Chicken: A Bright, Citrus-Marinated Taste of the Tropics
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Key West Grilled Chicken is a bright and tropical dish made with juicy chicken marinated in citrus juices, soy sauce, honey, and garlic, then grilled to perfection for a sweet, tangy, and smoky flavor.
Ingredients
- 900 g boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, garlic, ginger, pepper, and salt.
- Place chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour marinade over it.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from marinade and discard excess liquid.
- Grill chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until fully cooked and grill marks appear.
- Remove from grill and rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Do not reuse marinade unless boiled first.
- Chicken thighs can be used for juicier results.
- Serve with rice, salad, or grilled pineapple.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts are the main protein, offering a lean and tender base that absorbs marinades exceptionally well.
Lime juice provides bright acidity that tenderizes the chicken and delivers signature tropical flavor.
Orange juice adds natural sweetness and rounds out the sharpness of the lime.
Soy sauce contributes savory depth and saltiness, balancing the citrus elements.
Honey enhances caramelization on the grill and adds gentle sweetness.
Garlic brings aromatic warmth and savory complexity to the marinade.
Olive oil helps distribute flavors evenly while keeping the chicken moist during grilling.
Cumin adds subtle earthiness and warmth without overpowering the citrus.
Dried oregano introduces a mild herbal note that complements the grilled flavor.
Black pepper adds gentle heat and seasoning balance.
Salt ensures the chicken is properly seasoned throughout.
Fresh cilantro is used as a finishing garnish, adding freshness and color.
Directions
Begin by combining lime juice, orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, olive oil, cumin, oregano, black pepper, and salt in a mixing bowl. Whisk until well blended. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them, ensuring even coverage. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least two hours, turning once if possible.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Remove the chicken from the marinade and allow excess liquid to drip off. Grill the chicken for several minutes per side until fully cooked and nicely charred, with clear juices and an internal temperature indicating doneness.
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest briefly before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve warm.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves four people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, with a marinating time of at least two hours. Grilling requires approximately 15 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently over low heat or enjoy cold in salads or sandwiches to preserve moisture.
Variations and Customizations
Key West Grilled Chicken is highly adaptable while staying true to its citrus-forward roots. For a spicier version, add chili flakes or a small amount of hot sauce to the marinade. Pineapple juice can replace part of the orange juice for a sweeter, more tropical profile.
Chicken thighs may be substituted for breasts if you prefer darker meat, offering extra juiciness and richness. I tested this recipe with boneless thighs and found them especially forgiving on the grill. For a lower-sodium option, use reduced-sodium soy sauce without sacrificing flavor.
This marinade also works well with shrimp or firm fish, making it a versatile option for mixed grills or summer gatherings.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 kcal |
| Protein | 36 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 14 g |
| Sodium | 720 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Marination Time
Allow sufficient marinating for maximum tenderness and flavor absorption.
Grill Heat Control
Maintain medium-high heat to achieve char without drying the chicken.
Resting the Meat
Resting helps redistribute juices and improves texture.
Balanced Sweetness
Adjust honey slightly based on personal preference and citrus sweetness.
FAQs
Can I cook this chicken indoors?
Yes, a grill pan or cast-iron skillet works well indoors.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
A minimum of two hours is recommended, but overnight works well.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes, freeze in the marinade for up to one month.
What sides pair best with this dish?
Rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad pair well.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce.
Can I use bottled citrus juice?
Fresh juice is preferred, but bottled can be used if necessary.
Conclusion
Key West Grilled Chicken delivers bright citrus flavor, juicy texture, and effortless preparation in one dependable recipe. With its tropical-inspired marinade and versatile serving options, it is a refreshing addition to any home cook’s grilling repertoire.
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