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Key West Grilled Chicken Recipe

Key West Grilled Chicken Recipe

4.8 from 32 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful Key West Grilled Chicken recipe featuring a tangy marinade with soy sauce, honey, lime, garlic, and fresh cilantro. Perfectly grilled boneless chicken breasts with a hint of sweetness and a touch of spice, ideal for a quick and healthy 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, fresh cilantro, and finely chopped red bell pepper until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
  3. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to high heat to ensure a nice sear. If using a grill pan, preheat it over medium-high heat and lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking.
  4. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the used marinade for safety. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is fully cooked through with grill marks.
  5. Rest: Transfer the grilled chicken to a plate and loosely cover with foil. Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender chicken.
  6. Optional Broil: For an extra charred finish, place the rested chicken under the broiler for 2 minutes before serving, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Notes

  • Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper or jalapeño based on your preferred spice level.
  • Resting the chicken after grilling is crucial for juicy results.
  • Leftover grilled chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and used in salads or sandwiches.
  • Ensure the grill is properly oiled or lined to prevent sticking and maintain grill marks.

Nutrition

Keywords: Key West Grilled Chicken, grilled chicken recipe, healthy chicken marinade, summer grilled chicken, gluten-free chicken