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Key West Grilled Chicken

A vibrant, citrus-forward grilled chicken recipe that combines bright flavors with easy prep, perfect for weeknight meals.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Caribbean
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1/3 cup fresh lime juice (about 3 limes)
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark) can be replaced with honey or maple syrup
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika can substitute with regular paprika
  • 1/4–1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for heat
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (or parsley)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or Worcestershire optional, for extra umami
  • zest of 1 lime for added flavor
For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 pounds) or 8 thin-cut cutlets

Method
 

Mix the Marinade
  1. In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, red pepper flakes, and lime zest. Tip: Dissolve the brown sugar first in the citrus to ensure even coating.
Prepare the Chicken
  1. Trim excess fat. Pound breasts to uniform thickness using a rolling pin or meat mallet inside a plastic bag.
  2. Place chicken in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour marinade over. Turn to coat.
Marinate
  1. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours.
  2. Tip: If using a zip-top bag, seal and massage gently every 15–30 minutes to redistribute marinade.
Preheat the Grill
  1. Heat one zone to high and leave another zone at medium-low for indirect finishing.
  2. Oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Grill
  1. Sear chicken on high for 2–3 minutes per side to develop color.
  2. Move to the cooler zone and cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 5–8 more minutes depending on thickness.
  3. Tip: Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. If the sauce is caramelizing too quickly, move to indirect heat to prevent burning.
Rest and Serve
  1. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
  2. Garnish with chopped cilantro, extra lime wedges, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

Notes

For a tangy twist, substitute lime with lemon or use half lime and half grapefruit. Skip the sugar for a lower-calorie option. To make it vegan, swap chicken with tofu and marinate longer.