Key West Grilled Chicken with Tropical Citrus Marinade

Key West Grilled Chicken with Tropical Citrus Marinade brings the sunshine straight to your dinner table with a zesty blend of fresh citrus and aromatic spices. This isn’t your average grilled chicken. It’s a flavor-packed escape to the tropics that transforms ordinary chicken breasts into something truly special.

I’ll never forget the first time I made this recipe for a backyard cookout. The moment those marinated chicken breasts hit the hot grill, the air filled with the most incredible aroma of caramelized citrus and garlic. My neighbors actually came over to ask what smelled so amazing! What makes this Key West Grilled Chicken stand out is how the tropical citrus marinade tenderizes the meat while infusing every bite with bright, sunny flavors. The combination of lime, orange, and lemon juice creates layers of tanginess that pair beautifully with the savory notes of soy sauce and cumin.

What You’ll Need for This Tropical Grilled Chicken

Before you fire up the grill, let me share what goes into this incredible marinade. Fresh citrus juices work far better than bottled versions because the flavor difference is truly remarkable. The natural oils and brightness from freshly squeezed juice make this Key West Grilled Chicken sing.

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

For the Tropical Citrus Marinade:

• ½ cup fresh lime juice (about 4-5 limes, freshly juiced works best)
• ½ cup fresh orange juice (approximately 2 medium oranges)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium works great too)
• ¼ cup olive oil (extra virgin for best flavor)
• 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup as alternative)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is always better than jarred)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Zest of 1 lime (use a microplane for finest zest)
• Zest of 1 orange
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Pro tip: Pounding chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ¾ inch before marinating ensures every piece cooks uniformly on the grill and stays juicy throughout.

How to Make Key West Grilled Chicken Step by Step

Start this recipe at least 2 hours before dinner, though overnight marinating produces even better results. The longer marination time allows the citrus marinade to work its magic on the chicken.

Step 1: Prepare the tropical citrus marinade In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup lime juice, ½ cup orange juice, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, ¼ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons honey, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon coriander, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, lime zest, and orange zest. Whisk vigorously for about 30 seconds until the honey is completely dissolved and the marinade looks smooth and emulsified. The mixture should smell incredibly fragrant and citrusy.

Step 2: Marinate the chicken Place your 4 chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow glass dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece is completely submerged. Seal the bag tightly (removing as much air as possible) or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but preferably 4-6 hours or overnight. Flip the bag halfway through marinating to ensure even coverage. Pro tip: Don’t marinate longer than 24 hours, as the acidic citrus can start to break down the chicken texture too much.

Step 3: Preheat your grill About 15 minutes before cooking, preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F). Clean the grates thoroughly with a grill brush, then lightly oil them using a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil held with tongs. This prevents the Key West Grilled Chicken from sticking and ensures beautiful grill marks.

Step 4: Prepare the chicken for grilling Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This helps it cook more evenly. Remove each piece from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Discard the used marinade (never reuse marinade that touched raw chicken). Pat the chicken lightly with paper towels if it seems too wet, but leave a thin coating of marinade for flavor.

Step 5: Grill the chicken Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill, presentation side down first. Close the lid and cook for 6-7 minutes without moving them. This creates those gorgeous caramelized grill marks. Flip the chicken using tongs and cook for another 6-7 minutes on the second side. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part. Watch for visual cues: the meat should be golden brown with char marks, and juices should run clear when pierced. Common mistake to avoid: Don’t press down on the chicken with your spatula, as this squeezes out precious juices.

Step 6: Rest and serve Transfer the grilled chicken to a clean plate and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite of your Key West Grilled Chicken stays moist and flavorful. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.

Perfect Pairings for Your Citrus Grilled Chicken

The bright, zesty flavors of this Key West Grilled Chicken pair beautifully with tropical and fresh sides that complement the citrus notes.

Grilled Pineapple or Mango Salsa: The caramelized sweetness of grilled tropical fruit echoes the sunny flavors in the marinade while adding a fresh, juicy contrast to the savory chicken.

Coconut Rice: Creamy coconut rice provides a subtle sweetness and rich texture that balances the tangy citrus marinade perfectly, creating a complete island-inspired meal.

Black Beans and Rice: This classic combination adds protein and fiber while the earthy beans ground the bright citrus flavors, making it a heartier, more satisfying dinner.

Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus pick up smoky char on the grill and their natural sweetness complements the Key West Grilled Chicken beautifully.

Fresh Tropical Fruit Salad: A mix of mango, pineapple, and papaya amplifies the tropical theme and provides a refreshing, light side that’s perfect for summer gatherings.

Coleslaw with Lime Dressing: The crispy, tangy slaw adds crunch and acidity that cuts through the richness of the grilled chicken, making each bite feel fresh.

More Grilled Chicken Recipes to Explore

This Key West Grilled Chicken pairs wonderfully with other tropical-inspired dishes that celebrate bold, fresh flavors. For another citrus-forward option, try the vibrant Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken which features a sweet-tart glaze perfect for special occasions, or explore the Baked Orange Cranberry Chicken Thighs for an easy oven-baked alternative.

When planning a complete tropical-themed meal, serve this grilled chicken alongside the Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl for doubled coconut goodness, or pair it with the Pineapple Chicken and Rice for another island-inspired feast. For those who love bold marinades, the Spicy Maple Chicken Coconut Rice offers a sweet-heat combination that complements the citrus notes beautifully.

Storing Your Grilled Chicken the Right Way

Proper storage keeps your Key West Grilled Chicken delicious for days. Let the chicken cool to room temperature first (within 2 hours of cooking), then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

For reheating, a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of fresh lime juice or chicken broth prevents drying out. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, covered with a damp paper towel. The chicken tastes fantastic cold too, sliced over salads or in wraps.

Pro tip: You can freeze cooked Key West Grilled Chicken for up to 2 months. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The marinade can be prepared a day ahead and stored separately in the fridge, making meal prep even easier.

Common Questions About Key West Grilled Chicken

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