Key West Grilled Chicken

A warm breeze carries the tantalizing aroma of grilled chicken marinated in a vibrant citrus blend, instantly transporting you to the sunny shores of Key West. This Key West Grilled Chicken recipe takes under an hour to prepare and infuses your meal with zesty flavors that can brighten any occasion. It works wonderfully because the marinade tenderizes the chicken while adding a deliciously unique taste that everyone will love.

This recipe is perfect for family dinners, summer barbecues, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests with minimal effort. For a make-ahead option, you can marinate the chicken up to four hours in advance to enhance the flavors even more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The marinade combines sweet and tangy citrus flavors that explode in every bite.
• Grilling gives the chicken a smoky char that’s irresistible.
• It’s a quick recipe with minimal hands-on time.
• Fresh cilantro as a garnish adds a vibrant color and fresh taste.

What You’ll Need

Gather everything you’ll need for this delicious dish:

For the Marinade

• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp chili powder

For the Chicken

• 4 chicken breasts

For Serving

• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Use fresh citrus juice for better flavor.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Lime juice can be swapped with lemon juice.
• Orange juice can be replaced with grapefruit juice.
• Use chicken thighs for a juicier option.
• Cilantro can be replaced with parsley for a milder taste.

How to Make It

Follow these simple steps to make your grilled chicken.

Whisk marinade

In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, orange juice, pineapple juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and chili powder.

Marinate chicken

Place chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.

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Preheat grill

Preheat grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot enough for a good sear.

Discard marinade

Remove chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade.

Grill chicken

Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.

Rest chicken

Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Garnish and serve

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Reheat: Microwave for 1-2 minutes or until warm.

Tips for Best Results

• Ensure the grill is preheated to prevent sticking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F).
• Let the chicken rest to retain juices.
• Garnish just before serving for the best presentation.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a fresh salad for a light meal.
• Serve alongside grilled vegetables for a colorful plate.
• Enjoy with rice or quinoa to soak up the juices.

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