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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/4 cup fresh orange juice - 1/4 cup fresh lime juice - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons honey - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Zest of 1 lime - Zest of 1 orange - Fresh cilantro, for garnish To make Grilled Key West Chicken with Citrus Marinade, you'll need some key ingredients. Start with four boneless, skinless chicken breasts. These are your main protein. Next, grab a quarter cup of fresh orange juice and a quarter cup of fresh lime juice. These juices bring bright flavor to the dish. For the marinade, you'll need two tablespoons of olive oil. This adds richness and helps the flavors blend. Two tablespoons of honey sweeten the mix and balance the acidity. Don't forget three cloves of minced garlic for a punch of flavor. Now, let’s add spices. You will need a teaspoon of ground cumin and a teaspoon of smoked paprika. These spices give the chicken a warm, smoky taste. Add salt and pepper to your liking. Don’t forget the zest of one lime and one orange. The zest adds fresh citrus notes that elevate the dish. Finally, you'll want fresh cilantro for garnish. This adds a pop of color and flavor when serving. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To start, gather your ingredients for the marinade. You need fresh orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, honey, garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and the zest of both a lime and an orange. In a mixing bowl, combine the orange juice and lime juice. Add the olive oil, honey, and minced garlic. Then, sprinkle in the cumin and smoked paprika. Finally, add the lime and orange zest. Whisk everything together until it blends well. This citrus marinade gives the chicken a bright, fresh taste. It’s simple but packed with flavor. Next, take your chicken breasts and place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the citrus marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece gets coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover your dish. Refrigerate the chicken for at least one hour. For the best flavor, let it marinate for two to four hours. This step is key. It allows the chicken to soak in all those zesty flavors. Before grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, take the marinated chicken out of the fridge. Let any excess marinade drip off, and then discard the marinade. Place the chicken on the grill. Cook each side for about six to seven minutes. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures it’s safe to eat and juicy. When done, take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for five minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making it more tender. Slice the chicken and serve it hot. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a lovely touch. For the full recipe, check the details above. To make your citrus marinade just right, start by tasting it. If you want more sweetness, add a bit more honey. If you like it tangy, squeeze in more lime juice. Balance is key. You can also add spices like chili flakes for a kick. This way, you create a flavor that fits your taste. When grilling, heat your grill to medium-high. To prevent sticking, oil the grill grates before placing the chicken on them. Use tongs to turn the chicken, which helps keep the juices in. For great grill marks, do not move the chicken around too much. Let it sit on one side for about 6-7 minutes before flipping. After grilling, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices settle, making each bite tender and juicy. For presentation, slice the chicken and arrange it on a nice platter. Add fresh cilantro and citrus slices for color. This makes your dish look as good as it tastes. For a meal, serve it with grilled veggies or a salad. You can find the full recipe earlier in the article. {{image_2}} If you want to switch things up, consider using pork or tofu. Both can soak up the citrus marinade well. For pork, use boneless chops or tenderloin. The marinade will keep the meat juicy and flavorful. For tofu, press it to remove excess water. Then, cut it into cubes or slices. Marinate the tofu for at least an hour. This will give you a tasty plant-based option that still feels like a feast. Adding new spices can elevate the dish. Try mixing in fresh herbs like cilantro or mint. You can also add a hint of heat with red pepper flakes. For a unique twist, swap lime juice for grapefruit juice. This adds a sweet and tart flavor that pairs nicely with the chicken. Experimenting can lead to new favorite tastes! Do not worry if you do not have a grill. Baking or pan-searing works great too. For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). For pan-searing, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side. This gives a nice crust while keeping the inside juicy. Now you have several ways to enjoy Grilled Key West Chicken with Citrus Marinade. Check out the Full Recipe for all the details! You can keep marinated chicken in the fridge for up to two days. This helps the flavors soak in. If you want the best taste, try to use it within 24 hours. Make sure it’s in a sealed bag or container to avoid any mess. To freeze grilled chicken, first let it cool completely. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Write the date on the bag. The grilled chicken will stay fresh for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat grilled chicken, use the oven or stovetop. If using the oven, set it to 350°F. Place the chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of water, and cover it with foil. This keeps it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warm. On the stovetop, use low heat and cover the pan. This also helps avoid drying out your chicken. Enjoy it just like fresh! For the best flavor, you should marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour. However, I recommend 2 to 4 hours. This allows the chicken to soak up the citrus flavors and spices. If you have time, marinating overnight works wonders too. Just remember to keep the chicken in the fridge while it marinates. Yes, you can use frozen chicken for this recipe. Just remember to thaw it first. It’s best to thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. After thawing, you can follow the same marinating steps. This will keep the chicken juicy and flavorful. Key West Chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are some great ideas: - Grilled vegetables, like zucchini and bell peppers - A fresh garden salad with citrus dressing - Rice, particularly coconut or jasmine rice - Black beans or corn salad for a tropical touch These sides will complement the bright flavors of the chicken. Enjoy your meal with family and friends! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. You learned how to make a tasty Key West chicken dish. We covered ingredients, marinade steps, and grilling tips. Remember to adjust the marinade to your taste and let the chicken rest. If you want to switch proteins or cooking methods, plenty of options exist. Store any leftovers properly, so they stay fresh. This recipe is simple and delicious, perfect for any meal. Now, get cooking and enjoy your flavorful dish!

Grilled Key West Chicken with Citrus Marinade

Elevate your dinner game with this mouth-watering Grilled Key West Chicken with Citrus Marinade! This easy recipe features a zingy citrus marinade that infuses flavor into juicy chicken breasts. Perfect for any gathering, it's quick to prepare and full of vibrant colors and tastes. Ready to impress? Click through to discover how to make this delicious dish and bring a taste of the tropics to your table!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/4 cup fresh orange juice

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons honey

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Zest of 1 lime

Zest of 1 orange

Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions
 

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, honey, garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, lime zest, orange zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

    Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the citrus marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2-4 hours, to marinate.

      Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

        Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Discard the marinade.

          Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is nicely browned.

            Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes.

              Slice the chicken and serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Plate the grilled chicken on a vibrant platter, garnished with additional citrus slices and fresh cilantro for a colorful, tropical look. Serve with a side of grilled veggies or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.