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Key West Grilled Chicken with Tropical Citrus Marinade

Juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated in a vibrant, sweet, and tangy blend of fresh orange, lime, honey, and soy sauce.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinating Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Caribbean
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded to an even thickness
  • 1 handful fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
  • 1 orange sliced, for garnish
  • 1 lime sliced, for garnish
Tropical Citrus Marinade
  • 0.33 cup soy sauce low sodium
  • 0.33 cup honey or lightly packed brown sugar
  • 0.33 cup vegetable oil
  • 0.25 cup fresh orange juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tsp lime zest
  • 1 tsp orange zest
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly cracked
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped

Equipment

  • Outdoor Grill or Grill Pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Zip-top bag

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, vegetable oil, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, ginger, lime zest, orange zest, black pepper, and chopped cilantro.
  2. Transfer 1/3 cup of the marinade to a small container and refrigerate. This will be used later for basting.
  3. Place the pounded chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag and pour in the remaining marinade. Seal, massage to coat, and refrigerate for 2 to 12 hours.
  4. Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Clean and generously oil the grates.
  5. Remove chicken from the marinade (discarding the used marinade). Grill for 5-7 minutes per side until charred and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. During the last few minutes of grilling, baste the chicken with the reserved, untouched marinade.
  7. Remove chicken from the grill, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes.
  8. Garnish with fresh cilantro, orange slices, and lime slices before serving.

Notes

If cooking indoors, sear the chicken in a heavy cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side. Watch carefully so the honey in the marinade doesn't burn.