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This Key West Grilled Chicken with Tropical Citrus Marinade is the ultimate summer escape right from your kitchen! The moment you bite into that juicy, flavorful chicken marinated in the zingy combination of lime, orange, and lemon juices, you’ll feel like you’re lounging on a sun-kissed beach—yes, SERIOUSLY! This dish is brimming with vibrant flavors, and I’m here to tell you that it’s a showstopper! Who doesn’t want to serve a dish that might just make your next family gathering one for the books?! I stumbled upon this recipe when I was craving a quick getaway—without the plane ticket—and guess what? It has become a FAMILY FAVORITE!!! You don’t want to miss this one!
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe!
Oh, where do I even start? This Key West Grilled Chicken is INCREDIBLE!!! First of all, it’s bursting with flavor, thanks to that TROPICAL citrus marinade! Just imagine the tanginess! And did I mention it’s SUPER easy to whip up? You can throw it together and let it marinate while you prep the rest of your meal! It’s totally versatile! Whether you’re grilling for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this chicken fits RIGHT IN! Plus, hello—grilling season anyone?! And if you’re looking for a healthy and delicious option, this chicken is lean, packed with protein, and oh-so-satisfying! How can you resist? You can do this!!!!
Ingredients You’ll Need
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!
Now let’s talk about these ingredients—so exciting! Fresh citrus is essential; you get to feel like a chef when you ZEST those fruits (trust me, it’s fun!). If you can’t find fresh citrus, no worries! You can use bottled solutions, but I promise that fresh will always pack more punch! The honey adds this DELICIOUS sweetness that balances the tang, and let’s not forget the aromatic garlic! If you’re like me and sometimes sauce things up with a little more garlic—don’t hold back; it’ll make it even better! This dish is a budget-savvy recipe, and you can find all these ingredients at your local grocery store. Feel free to switch out the chicken for turkey or even tofu for a plant-based version if that’s your jam!
How to Make This Chicken Magic Happen!
Making this Key West Grilled Chicken is as easy as pie! (Well, easier than pie, actually…!) Let’s break it down! First, in a medium bowl, combine all of your citrus juices—including lime, orange, and lemon—along with soy sauce, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, pepper, and the zest from both your lime and orange! Whisk it together until you feel like a mixing ROCKSTAR! 🍊
Next, take those beautiful chicken breasts and place them in a large resealable plastic bag (or a shallow dish—your choice!). Pour that tropical goodness all over the chicken, making sure it’s all coated like a PRO! Seal that bag tight or cover your dish, and let it hang out in the fridge! Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, but if you can let it chill overnight, Oh. My. Goodness. JUST DO IT! The flavors will be AMAZING!!!
Now, time to preheat your grill to medium-high heat—let it get nice and HOT! Don’t forget to lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking; no one wants that, trust me!
Once the grill is ready, it’s showtime! Take the chicken out of the marinade (and shake off any excess—don’t worry, you won’t need it anymore) and place it right on that sizzling grill! Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side—look for those gorgeous grill marks! And don’t forget to check the internal temp—165°F is your magic number! Let it rest for about 5 minutes (so hard, I know!!!) before serving and garnish with fresh cilantro! Now, how easy was that?! Just wait until you try it!
Tips & Tricks for Grilling Success!
Here are some tips to make your grilling the BEST! If you prep ahead, you save time, so marinate that chicken the night before—easy-peasy! Got leftovers? Yeah, they’re awesome; just store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and you can reheating them in the microwave or on the stove for a quick lunch! Want to double the recipe and batch cook? Absolutely! Just adjust your marinade quantity, and you’re golden! And if you have kiddos, chop the chicken into smaller pieces after grilling for easy bites, or serve it in taco form! They will LOVE that!
Serving Suggestions – Let’s Get Creative!
Need ideas on how to serve this glorious chicken? Pair it with some fragrant coconut rice or a vibrant salad for a light and fresh meal that sings summer! Or, step it up with DIY tacos—oh yes, sprinkle that chicken with a bit of lime and pile on the toppings! You can also toss it onto a bed of greens with a citrus vinaigrette; it’s just THAT GOOD! If you have leftovers, throw the chicken in a wrap with some fresh veggies for a healthy lunch the next day—it’s like a vacation in your mouth! Seriously, TRY IT!!!
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Turkey or even fish would complement the marinade beautifully.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days; just keep them in an airtight container!
Yes, but fresh herbs will give you a bigger flavor punch, so I highly recommend it for the best results!
Serve with rice, salad, or even grilled veggies to create a colorful plate.
Sure! Just place it in a ziplock bag before marinating, and freeze for up to 3 months for a convenient meal later on!
Oh my goodness, I can’t wait for you to try this Key West Grilled Chicken with Tropical Citrus Marinade! It’s beyond easy and DELICIOUS, and you’ll be blown away by how much flavor you packed into this dish! Have questions or need to share your results? Please drop me a message or tag me on social media! I LOVE seeing your culinary adventures! Now whip up some sunshine and good vibes with this recipe, and remember—make it easy, make it delicious, make it YOURS!!!
Key West Grilled Chicken
Ingredients
For the 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
- 1 units zest of lime
- 1 units zest of orange
For the Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- fresh cilantro for garnish optional
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium bowl, combine lime juice, orange juice, lemon juice, soy sauce, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, black pepper, and the zest from the lime and orange. Whisk together until well combined.
- Place chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
Cooking
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
