Print

Key West Grilled Chicken Recipe

Key West Grilled Chicken Recipe

4.9 from 7 reviews

Key West Grilled Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring juicy, marinated chicken breasts grilled to perfection. Infused with a tangy blend of soy sauce, honey, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, and red bell pepper, this recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and citrusy notes, making it perfect for a light and refreshing meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

Marinade

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper or minced red jalapeño for heat

Instructions

  1. Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, vegetable oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, and red bell pepper until thoroughly combined, creating a flavorful marinade.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor absorption.
  3. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to high temperature to ensure a good sear. If using a grill pan indoors, warm it over medium-high heat and lightly oil it to prevent sticking.
  4. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off, and discard the used marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6 to 8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
  5. Rest: Transfer the grilled chicken to a plate, cover loosely with aluminum foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step helps the juices redistribute within the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
  6. Optional Broil: For an extra charred finish, place the grilled chicken under the broiler for 2 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with coconut aminos.
  • If you prefer spicier chicken, add crushed red pepper or minced red jalapeño to the marinade.
  • Do not marinate chicken for more than 2 hours to prevent the acid from the lime from breaking down the meat excessively.
  • Letting the chicken rest after grilling ensures juiciness and tenderness.
  • Use a meat thermometer to accurately check the internal temperature for perfectly cooked chicken.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken, Key West chicken, honey lime chicken, summer grilling, healthy chicken recipe