Easy Zesty Key West Grilled Chicken
Escape to paradise with this Easy Zesty Key West Grilled Chicken! Featuring juicy, flavorful chicken marinated in a bright, tangy sauce with notes of citrus, soy, honey, and garlic. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, bringing sunshine to your plate with minimal effort.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Grill or grill pan
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 tsp fresh cilantro finely chopped
- 2 tbsp red bell pepper finely chopped
- 3 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 2 tbsp honey
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil any neutral oil like canola or grapeseed
- 1 lime juice of, freshly squeezed
- 1 tsp minced garlic
Instructions
- Step 1: Whip Up the Marinade: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce (or coconut aminos), honey, vegetable oil, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, finely chopped cilantro, and finely chopped red bell pepper. Whisk until nicely combined.
- Step 2: Give Your Chicken a Bath: Place the chicken breast halves in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is completely coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
- Step 3: Heat Up the Grill: Preheat your outdoor grill to high heat. If using a stovetop grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat. Once hot, lightly oil the grates or pan to prevent sticking.
- Step 4: Grill Time! Carefully remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard any remaining marinade. Place the chicken breasts onto the hot, oiled grill grates.
- Step 5: Cook to Perfection: Grill the chicken for approximately 6 to 8 minutes per side, until beautiful grill marks form and the chicken is cooked through. Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part; it should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Step 6: Rest and Relax: Once cooked, transfer the grilled chicken to a clean plate. Tent loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for moist and tender chicken.
- Step 7: (Optional) Get Some Extra Char: For extra char, briefly place the grilled chicken under a preheated broiler for about 2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Step 8: Serve and Enjoy! Slice or serve whole and enjoy your taste of Key West!
Notes
Don't over-marinate chicken breasts in citrus for more than 2 hours, as it can affect texture. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) without overcooking. Always oil your grill grates to prevent sticking. Discard used marinade for food safety. Resting the chicken for 5 minutes after grilling keeps it moist. You can mix the marinade ingredients ahead of time (minus fresh cilantro/pepper) and add the fresh components just before marinating. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months.