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Key West Grilled Chicken

Key West Grilled Chicken
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Key West Grilled Chicken offers a bright, tropical twist on grilled chicken with a citrusy marinade bursting with fresh lime and orange juices, a hint of sweetness from honey, and a subtle smoky spice. This juicy, tender chicken is perfect for backyard BBQs or family dinners and is easy to prepare with simple ingredients that bring island-inspired flavors to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Marinade

  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1 finely chopped jalapeño or 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, olive oil, honey, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add finely chopped jalapeño or red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat. This mixture will infuse the chicken with vibrant flavor.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a sealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated evenly. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably up to 6 hours for best results.
  3. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking and help achieve appealing grill marks that seal in the flavors.
  4. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and let excess drip off. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid flipping multiple times to develop a perfect sear.
  5. Rest and Serve: Allow the grilled chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period lets the juices redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender bite.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken for up to 6 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to avoid overcooking.
  • Bring chicken to room temperature before grilling for more even cooking.
  • If using skin-on chicken, grill skin side down first to crisp the skin.
  • Let the chicken rest after grilling to retain juiciness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Key West grilled chicken, tropical chicken recipe, citrus chicken, grilled chicken, summer BBQ chicken, gluten free chicken

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