This Key West Grilled Chicken is juicy, flavorful, and infused with a tropical citrus twist that makes every bite irresistible. Marinated in lime juice, garlic, and warm spices, this easy grilled chicken recipe delivers bold island-inspired flavor while staying simple and weeknight-friendly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Key West grilled chicken is tender, smoky, and packed with bright citrus flavor. The marinade keeps the chicken juicy while the hint of spice adds just the right amount of heat. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for grilling season, and pairs beautifully with salads, rice, or grilled vegetables.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, garlic, brown sugar, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until well combined.
Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any remaining marinade.
Grill the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips & Tricks
Marinating overnight produces the juiciest chicken. Pound the chicken breasts slightly for even cooking. Avoid flipping too often to get beautiful grill marks. Letting the chicken rest before slicing helps retain moisture.
Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinate Time: 1–12 hours
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating)
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American, Tropical-Inspired
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Notes: Gluten-free, dairy-free, halal-friendly
Notes
For extra tropical flavor, add a splash of orange juice to the marinade. Serve with grilled pineapple, coconut rice, or a fresh mango salsa. Adjust cayenne pepper to control heat level.
Nutrition (Approximate, per serving)
Calories: 290
Protein: 34g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fat: 15g
FAQ
Can I cook Key West grilled chicken indoors?
Yes, use a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 1 hour, but overnight gives the best flavor.
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes, boneless skinless thighs work well and stay very juicy.
Is this chicken spicy?
It has mild heat. Reduce or omit cayenne for a milder version.
What sides pair well with this recipe?
Rice, grilled vegetables, salad, or roasted potatoes all work well.
Storage
Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently or enjoy cold in salads or wraps.
Similar Recipes
Key West Grilled Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, garlic, brown sugar, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until well combined.
- Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any remaining marinade.
- Grill the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Conclusion
This Key West Grilled Chicken delivers juicy texture, bold citrus flavor, and just the right amount of spice. Easy to prepare and perfect for grilling season, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.