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Key West Grilled Chicken

Key West Grilled Chicken
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Key West Grilled Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful summer dish featuring juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated in a zesty blend of fresh lime and orange juice, tropical spices, honey, garlic, and fresh cilantro. Perfect for backyard barbecues or quick weeknight dinners, this healthy gluten-free recipe brings bright citrus notes and island-inspired warmth to your plate.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

Marinade

  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: Combine lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk thoroughly until the ingredients are well mixed and the honey is dissolved.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated, then seal the bag or cover the dish. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1 to 2 hours for maximum flavor penetration.
  3. Preheat and Oil the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. This step ensures perfect grill marks and crispy edges with juicy interiors.
  4. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid pressing down on the chicken to retain juices.
  5. Rest and Serve: Once grilled, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite tender and flavorful.

Notes

  • Marinate longer up to 4 hours but not more than overnight to avoid mushy texture.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without overcooking.
  • Grill over indirect heat to prevent burning while cooking chicken evenly.
  • Always rest the meat after grilling to keep the chicken juicy.
  • Double the marinade and save some fresh marinade (uncooked) for drizzling over the chicken after grilling.

Nutrition

Keywords: Key West Grilled Chicken, tropical chicken, grilled chicken recipe, summer chicken, citrus chicken, healthy chicken, gluten free chicken, barbecue chicken

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/key-west-grilled-chicken/