Key West Grilled Chicken (Printable)
Citrus-marinated chicken with lime, garlic, and honey for a fresh Floridian-inspired dish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
→ Marinade
02 - 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
05 - 1 tablespoon honey
06 - 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
07 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - Zest of 1 lime
→ Garnish
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
12 - Lime wedges
# Directions:
01 - Whisk together lime juice, olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic, oregano, black pepper, salt, and lime zest in a medium bowl until fully combined.
02 - Place chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 4 hours for maximum flavor absorption.
03 - Prepare grill to medium-high heat, approximately 375-400°F. Remove chicken from marinade and discard excess liquid.
04 - Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, cooking until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Avoid overcooking to maintain moisture.
05 - Transfer grilled chicken to a clean plate and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The marinade does double duty, tenderizing the chicken while infusing it with that perfect balance of sweet and tangy
- It comes together in minutes but tastes like you spent all day planning something special
02 -
- Never reuse the leftover marinade that raw chicken has soaked in, the food safety risk is not worth it
- Patting the chicken slightly dry before grilling helps you get better sear marks
03 -
- Let your meat come to room temperature for 20 minutes before grilling for more even cooking
- Clean your grill grates while they are hot, right before cooking, for the best release