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key west grilled chicken Side view of grilled chicken breast showing juicy texture and char marks

Key West Grilled Chicken

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This vibrant Key West Grilled Chicken brings the flavors of the tropics right to your backyard. Juicy chicken breasts are marinated in a zesty blend of fresh lime juice, soy sauce, honey, and garlic, then grilled to smoky perfection. It is a light, healthy, and incredibly flavorful main dish that tastes like a summer vacation.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or mild olive oil
  • 1/3 cup fresh lime juice (about 3-4 limes)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, vegetable oil, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and black pepper until the honey is fully dissolved.
  2. Place the chicken breasts in a large ziplock bag or a shallow baking 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 up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
  3. Preheat your outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess liquid. Discard the remaining marinade. Place the chicken on the hot grill.
  5. Grill the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes on the first side without moving it to create nice char marks. Flip and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
  6. Transfer the chicken to a clean platter and let it rest for 5 minutes to lock in the juices. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with extra lime wedges on the side.

Notes

For the best flavor, use Key limes if available, though regular Persian limes work well too. If you don’t have a grill, this recipe works great in a cast-iron skillet or baked in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. Serve with coconut rice or a fresh garden salad.

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

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
  • Calories: 285
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg
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