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Glistening Key West grilled chicken skewers being brushed with a vibrant citrus marinade, with grill marks visible.

Key West Grilled Chicken: The Ultimate Tropical Escape

Transport your taste buds to the tropics with this Key West Grilled Chicken recipe. A zesty lime and garlic marinade makes this chicken incredibly juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. Perfect for an easy and healthy weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Caribbean
Calories: 395
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs) Pound to an even thickness for best results.
For the Marinade
  • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice From about 4-5 limes.
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic Minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro Chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

  • 1 Grill
  • 1 Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Meat Thermometer

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together all the marinade ingredients: lime juice, olive oil, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, and black pepper.
  2. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a large resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the top, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
  3. Preheat your outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled.
  4. Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place chicken on the hot grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side. The exact time will depend on the thickness of the chicken. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Transfer the grilled chicken to a plate or cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This is crucial for keeping the chicken juicy. Slice against the grain and serve warm.

Notes

Tip 1: For even cooking, use a meat mallet to pound the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness of about 3/4 inch.
Tip 2: Don't marinate the chicken for more than 8 hours. The acid in the lime juice can start to cook the chicken and make the texture mealy.
Tip 3: This recipe also works wonderfully with chicken thighs or even shrimp. Adjust grilling time accordingly.