Description
This Key West Grilled Chicken recipe features a vibrant tropical marinade with orange and lime juices, garlic, cumin, and olive oil, creating a flavorful and juicy grilled chicken perfect for summer meals. The marinade infuses the chicken breasts with bright, citrusy notes balanced by warm spices, making it an ideal dish for outdoor grilling.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken and Marinade
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together to create a well-blended marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag tightly, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to penetrate.
- Preheat the Grill: About 15 minutes before cooking, preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure it’s ready when the chicken comes out of the fridge.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, discarding any leftover marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on one side.
- Flip and Continue Grilling: Turn the chicken breasts over and grill for another 6 to 7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy, tender chicken.
- Serve: Slice or serve the chicken breasts whole, pairing with your favorite side dishes or tropical accompaniments.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for longer, up to 4 hours, for even more intense flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to accurately check for doneness at 165°F (74°C).
- If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook the chicken on a grill pan or broil in the oven.
- Serve with fresh salsa or a tropical fruit salad for an added burst of flavor.
- Leftover grilled chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
