Key West Grilled Chicken (Print Version)
Zesty Key West-style grilled chicken marinated in citrus, ginger, garlic and island spices.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 6 oz each
→ Tropical Citrus Marinade
02 - 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
03 - 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 - 2 tablespoons honey
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
09 - 2 teaspoons soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
10 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
11 - 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
13 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
14 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
→ Optional Garnishes
15 - Fresh lime wedges
16 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
# How to Make It:
01 - In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, salt, pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, and chopped cilantro until well combined.
02 - Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight for deeper flavor penetration.
03 - Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 375°F to 400°F. Lightly oil the grill grates using a folded paper towel dipped in vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
04 - Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade. Place the chicken onto the hot grill and cook for 6 to 8 minutes per side, until the internal temperature registers 165°F on an instant-read meat thermometer and the juices run clear.
05 - Transfer the grilled chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Slice against the grain or serve the breasts whole, garnished with fresh lime wedges and additional chopped cilantro.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The triple citrus combo hits every bright note without needing a pantry full of exotic ingredients.
- It turns boring chicken breasts into something you would happily serve at a backyard party.
02 -
- Do not marinate longer than 12 hours or the citrus will start breaking down the meat into mush.
- Letting the chicken come to room temperature for 15 minutes before grilling gives you a much more even cook.
03 -
- Pound the chicken to an even thickness before marinating so every piece finishes cooking at the same time.
- The difference between a good marinade and a great one is making sure the honey is fully dissolved before it touches the meat.