Key West Grilled Chicken (Print View)
Tangy lime and garlic marinade transforms tender chicken breasts into a tropical-inspired meal.
# 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
# How To Make It:
01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic, oregano, black pepper, salt, and lime zest until fully combined.
02 - Place chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over chicken, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 4 hours.
03 - Preheat grill to medium-high heat (approximately 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and discard excess liquid.
04 - Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear when pierced.
05 - Transfer chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and accompany with lime wedges.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The marinade comes together in under five minutes but makes you look like you spent all day planning something special.
- Leftovers (if you somehow have any) make incredible chicken tacos or salad toppers for lunch the next day.
02 -
- I once rushed the marinating time and the difference was noticeable. The citrus needs at least an hour to penetrate beyond the surface.
- Do not reuse the leftover marinade as a sauce unless you boil it for 5 minutes. I learned this the hard way before I knew better about food safety.
03 -
- If you are using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts, reduce the grilling time to about 4 minutes per side.
- The honey in this recipe can cause faster burning, so watch carefully and move chicken to a cooler spot if flare-ups happen.