Key West Grilled Chicken with Tropical Citrus Marinade is not just a dish; it’s an experience that transports you to the sunny beaches of Florida. This vibrant and juicy chicken is infused with the fresh citrus flavors of orange, lime, and pineapple, making it a perfect choice for summer grilling or casual BBQs with family and friends. Let’s dive into this delicious journey that brings a taste of the tropics right to your table!

Why You’ll Love This Key West Grilled Chicken

This Key West Grilled Chicken is not just another meal; it’s a delightful experience that combines vibrant flavors and juicy textures. Here are several reasons why you’ll adore this dish:

It features a Citrus Marinated Chicken that tantalizes your taste buds.
The Key West Chicken Recipe is easy to follow, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
It’s healthy and gluten-free, fitting perfectly into various diets.
The dish is incredibly versatile, allowing for variations like Grilled Chicken with Tropical Salsa.
It’s ideal for summer BBQs, ensuring your gatherings are filled with flavor.
Marinating the chicken enhances its juiciness, making it succulent and tender.
Perfect for entertaining, it impresses guests while being simple to prepare.
This Grilled Chicken Key West Style is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients for Key West Grilled Chicken

Gather these items:

1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)
Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
Lime wedges
Pineapple slices (for grilling alongside chicken)

How to Make Key West Grilled Chicken Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, pineapple juice, olive oil, honey, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (preferably 2–4 hours).
Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F–400°F). Clean and oil the grates well to prevent sticking. If using a grill pan, preheat it over medium-high heat and brush it lightly with olive oil.
Step 4: Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the marinade) and lightly brush each piece with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking to the grill.
Step 5: Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is no longer pink in the center. If grilling pineapple slices, place them on the grill during the last few minutes of chicken cooking, turning them once until lightly charred.
Step 6: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and serve with lime wedges and grilled pineapple slices.

Pro Tips for the Best Key West Grilled Chicken

Keep these in mind:

This dish is great for summer grilling and BBQs.
Try marinating the chicken for longer for more flavor.
Grilled pineapple adds a nice sweetness to the dish.
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the marinade.
Ensure your grill is properly preheated for even cooking.

Best Ways to Serve Key West Grilled Chicken

Here are a few ideas to elevate your serving experience:

Serve it alongside a fresh salad for a light meal.
Pair with grilled vegetables for a colorful plate.
Consider topping the chicken with a Grilled Chicken with Tropical Salsa for extra zest.

How to Store and Reheat Key West Grilled Chicken

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. This chicken can last for up to 3 days in the fridge. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or on the grill for a few minutes until heated through. For meal prep, consider making a larger batch and enjoying it throughout the week!

Frequently Asked Questions About Key West Grilled Chicken

What’s the secret to perfect Key West Grilled Chicken?

The key to perfect Key West Grilled Chicken is marinating it long enough to absorb the flavors. A minimum of 2 hours is recommended, but overnight is best for enhanced taste.

Can I make Key West Grilled Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! You can grill the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it before serving for a quick meal option.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Key West Grilled Chicken?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure your grill is hot before placing the chicken on it. Also, don’t skip the marinating step as it deeply enhances the flavors.

Variations of Key West Grilled Chicken You Can Try

Here are a few tasty variations to consider:

Substitute different fruits in the marinade, like mango or papaya, for a unique twist.
Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch.
Try this recipe with fish for a lighter, seafood option.
Make it a Citrus Marinated Chicken by grilling with a variety of citrus fruits.

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making Cranberry Orange Pancakes for a delightful breakfast. If you’re looking for a hearty meal, our Slow Cooker Korean Beef is a must-try!

For additional insights on marinating chicken, you can visit Food Network’s guide on chicken marinades.

Key West Grilled Chicken: 5 Flavorful Summer Recipes

Author: basmer
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Key West Grilled Chicken with Tropical Citrus Marinade is a vibrant and juicy dish that’s bursting with fresh citrus flavors from orange, lime, and pineapple.

Instructions

In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, pineapple juice, olive oil, honey, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (preferably 2–4 hours).
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F–400°F). Clean and oil the grates well to prevent sticking. If using a grill pan, preheat it over medium-high heat and brush it lightly with olive oil.
Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the marinade) and lightly brush each piece with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking to the grill.
Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is no longer pink in the center. If grilling pineapple slices, place them on the grill during the last few minutes of chicken cooking, turning them once until lightly charred.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and serve with lime wedges and grilled pineapple slices.