Key West Grilled Chicken

Introduction

Key West Grilled Chicken is an irresistible way to bring bright, zesty island flavors to your dinner table. Featuring a flavorful marinade of citrus juices, garlic, and a touch of sweetness, this dish captures the essence of a seaside escape with every bite. If you’re craving a meal that’s healthy, easy to prepare, and sure to please a crowd, this chicken recipe checks all the boxes for weeknight dinners or backyard gatherings.

Deliciously Unique Key West Grilled Chicken

What sets this recipe apart is its perfect harmony of tart lime juice and sweet honey, balanced with savory garlic and the mild heat of cayenne. Grilling locks in flavor and adds beautiful char marks, making every piece both juicy and visually appealing. The marinade penetrates the chicken, ensuring tender, mouthwatering bites from start to finish.

Preparing the Marinade for Maximum Flavor

The marinade is the secret to Key West Grilled Chicken’s bright profile. Fresh lime juice blends with soy sauce, honey, and garlic, infusing the chicken with bold flavors reminiscent of the Florida Keys. Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least two hours – or better yet, overnight – gives you maximum flavor and juiciness. Before grilling, pat the chicken dry for the best sear and caramelization on the grill.

Grilling to Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium-high and brush the grates lightly with oil to prevent sticking. Grill the marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and beautiful grill marks appear. Baste with leftover marinade during the first few minutes of cooking for an extra punch of tangy goodness, but discard any remaining marinade after basting for food safety.

Serving Suggestions for a Show-Stopping Key West Grilled Chicken

Serve Key West Grilled Chicken hot off the grill, garnished with fresh lime wedges and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. Pair it with rice, grilled veggies, or a tropical fruit salsa for a complete meal. A simple salad of mixed greens makes a refreshing side, and the leftovers are delicious in sandwiches or wraps.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 4 servings, with each portion containing approximately 220-250 calories, depending on the chicken cut and preparation. The marinade provides great flavor with minimal fat and sugar, making this a wholesome option for your meal plan.

Key West Grilled Chicken (Recap)

Key West Grilled Chicken combines sun-kissed citrus and sweet honey in a savory, juicy grilled dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its bright marinade, simplicity, and crowd-pleasing taste make it a foolproof favorite for home cooks.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section – perfect for efficient grocery trips and reliable meal planning.

Instructions

1. In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine soy sauce, honey, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Whisk or shake to blend well.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, coating evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for more intense flavor.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Lightly oil the grill grates.
4. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off; discard any marinade not used for basting.
5. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until nicely charred and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
6. Transfer grilled chicken to a plate. Garnish with chopped cilantro and fresh lime wedges before serving.

Weekly Meal Planning

This recipe is ideal for weekly meal prep, whether you want to enjoy fresh, bright flavors throughout the week or need a healthy protein to add to salads and wraps. Save and schedule this recipe in your meal planner to generate a smart shopping list and organize prep days seamlessly.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities across all planned meals
• Organizes shopping lists by grocery store aisle for faster trips
• Prevents duplicate purchases and helps reduce food waste
• Simplifies weekly meal prep with all recipes in one handy spot

Pro tip: Schedule your meals to see how ingredients like garlic or olive oil overlap in your weekly recipes. The app sums up quantities so you buy exactly what you need – no more guesswork at the store!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 2 hours marinating)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes active, 2 hours 25 minutes including marinating