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Sunshine Citrus Grilled Chicken with a side of lime wedges and fresh cilantro garnish, ready to serve.

Sunshine Citrus Grilled Chicken: Your Flavor Escape

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Transport your taste buds straight to the Florida Keys with this vibrant Key West Grilled Chicken. Marinated in a bright, tropical citrus blend of orange, lime, and lemon juices, infused with garlic, ginger, and a hint of spice, this chicken breast recipe promises a succulent, flavor-packed experience. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend barbecue, bringing a ray of sunshine to any meal. Light, refreshing, and utterly irresistible!

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Extra lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they are very thick, you can lightly pound them to an even 1-inch thickness for quicker, more even cooking.
  2. Whisk the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, grated ginger, low-sodium soy sauce, ground cumin, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. Avoid marinating for longer than 4 hours, as the citrus can start to break down the chicken's texture too much.
  4. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F / 200-230°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
  5. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade. Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer and the chicken is nicely browned with visible grill marks.
  6. Rest and Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and moist chicken. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with extra lime wedges.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, you can briefly grill some pineapple slices or bell peppers alongside the chicken. This dish pairs wonderfully with coconut rice, a fresh green salad, or roasted asparagus. To ensure the chicken doesn’t dry out, be sure not to overcook it; a meat thermometer is your best friend here!

  • Author: Cook Reel ™
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Tropical American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 280mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg
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