Key West Grilled Chicken Recipe

If there’s ever been a dish that captures the breezy, sunshine-soaked spirit of Florida in every bite, it’s Key West Grilled Chicken. Imagine tender chicken breasts infused with zesty lime, sweet honey, bright cilantro, and a hint of smoky char — this recipe bursts with vibrant island flavors and a color pop that makes every meal feel like a celebration. Whether you’re firing up the grill for guests or bringing some summer into a weeknight dinner, this chicken is about to become your new favorite go-to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Your shopping list is blissfully short and sweet, but don’t be fooled — each component is essential and works in harmony, creating that bold Key West Grilled Chicken flavor and juicy tenderness you’ll crave again and again.

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless for faster cooking and to let that gorgeous marinade soak all the way through.
• Soy Sauce (or Coconut Aminos): Adds a touch of savory umami and perfectly balances the sweetness and acidity in the marinade.
• Honey: A natural way to bring sweetness and help those beautiful grill marks caramelize.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the chicken wonderfully moist and helps the spices coat evenly.
• Lime Juice: The zingy heart of the marinade, it brightens up every single bite with a fresh citrus kick.
• Minced Garlic: Infuses the chicken with a savory aroma and subtle heat.
• Fresh Cilantro: Chopped up to lend a peppery, super-fresh flavor that screams “island vibes.”
• Red Bell Pepper: Finely chopped for pops of color and juicy crunch. Don’t skip it!

How to Make Key West Grilled Chicken

Step 1: Whisk Up the Marinade

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the soy sauce, honey, vegetable oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, and finely diced red bell pepper. You’ll notice the fragrant combination immediately — it’s the secret to that Key West Grilled Chicken magic! The honey will help soften the edges of the zingy lime, and that bell pepper adds bold color to every drizzle.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or wide shallow dish, and pour the marinade right over. Give everything a little massage, then let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours if you have time). This step ensures your Key West Grilled Chicken soaks up all those bright, tropically inspired flavors, leading to unbelievably juicy results.

Step 3: Heat Up the Grill

Preheat your grill to high, aiming for strong, direct heat. Lightly oil the grates using tongs and a paper towel dipped in a little more vegetable oil — this helps prevent sticking, so your chicken releases easily and gets those signature sear lines. Now’s when the anticipation really builds!

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Place it on the hot grill and cook for 6 to 8 minutes per side, turning once, until the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C). The honey in that marinade works its caramelizing magic, while the lime and soy keep everything bright and savory. This is the stage where your Key West Grilled Chicken truly comes to life — golden outside, juicy inside, and bursting with color.

Step 5: Let It Rest

As tempting as it is to dive right in, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling. This gives all those lovely juices time to redistribute, ensuring every slice is impossibly tender and brimming with island-inspired flavor. Carve, serve, and get ready to bask in compliments.

How to Serve Key West Grilled Chicken

Garnishes

A finishing touch can elevate your Key West Grilled Chicken from stunning to spectacular. Try a shower of freshly chopped cilantro for a hit of green, extra lime wedges for squeezing tableside, or a scattering of diced red bell pepper and even a touch of sliced green onion. Each garnish adds new layers of flavor, color, and summery freshness.

Side Dishes

Pair your chicken with sides that complement its lively, tangy flavors. Coconut rice or a light pineapple salsa offers sweetness to balance the savory marinade. Grilled corn on the cob or sautéed green beans add a crisp, fresh factor, making your table look as vibrant as it tastes. If you’re in the mood for something extra, a crisp side salad dotted with avocado rounds out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve Key West Grilled Chicken as a standout main dish, or slice it thin and tuck into tortillas with a quick tropical slaw for island-inspired tacos. For a playful touch at summer cookouts, skewer the chicken pieces before marinating, turning them into easy, festive kabobs. Leftover slices make wonderful picnic sandwiches or protein-packed salads for lunch the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Key West Grilled Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep its juicy texture and punchy flavor for up to three days, making it a meal-prep superstar for lunches or quick dinners all week.

Freezing

If you want to freeze cooked chicken for even longer storage, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or freezer-safe wrap. Place in a freezer bag or airtight container. It will stay flavorful for up to three months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To keep your Key West Grilled Chicken as moist as possible, reheat leftovers gently. Pop slices in the microwave with a splash of water and a loose cover, or warm in a covered skillet over low heat. You can even reheat on the grill for a couple minutes to bring back those smoky notes!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work beautifully with this marinade, staying even juicier thanks to their slightly higher fat content. Just adjust the grilling time as thighs may need an extra minute or two per side.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No grill? No problem. You can prepare Key West Grilled Chicken using a stovetop grill pan or even broil it in your oven. Simply keep an eye on the cook time and flip once, aiming for that golden caramelization.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make Key West Grilled Chicken gluten-free, use coconut aminos or a certified gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy!

Can I marinate overnight?

The chicken is happiest after 30 minutes to 2 hours in the marinade, but if you need to let it sit overnight, reduce the lime juice slightly to prevent over-tenderizing. This way, you’ll still get tons of flavor without the chicken becoming too soft.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The surefire method is to use an instant-read thermometer — your Key West Grilled Chicken is ready when it reaches 165°F (75°C) at its thickest point. The juices will run clear, and the surface will have irresistible golden grill marks.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that’s quick, fresh, and absolutely bursting with sunshine, you can’t go wrong with Key West Grilled Chicken. The sweet, salty, citrusy flavors play together brilliantly, making every bite worthy of a tropical celebration. Fire up your grill and give it a try — I promise, your taste buds will thank you!

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