Key West Grilled Chicken

why make this recipe

Key West Grilled Chicken is a delightful dish that brings a taste of the Florida Keys to your kitchen. It’s not just the flavors that entice you but also the ease of preparation. This simple yet tasty recipe is perfect for family dinners, summer barbecues, or any occasion where you want to impress guests. The combination of soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and fresh herbs creates a delicious marinade, making the chicken juicy and flavorful.

how to make Key West Grilled Chicken

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or Coconut Aminos)
• 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)
• 4 boneless chicken breast halves

Directions:

1. In a shallow bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, vegetable oil, lime juice, minced garlic, bell pepper, and cilantro. Mix well to create a marinade.
2. Place the chicken breasts in the bowl with the marinade. Make sure they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for better flavor.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing the excess to drip off.
5. Grill the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Once cooked, remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

For grilled kebabs, cut the chicken into cubes, marinate, and thread onto skewers with vegetables before grilling. For grilled shrimp, marinate shrimp in the same mixture and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side.

how to serve Key West Grilled Chicken

Serve your Key West Grilled Chicken with a side of fresh salad, rice, or grilled vegetables. For a tropical touch, add pineapple or a fresh fruit salsa to enhance the flavors. This dish is great for gathering around the table with family and friends.

how to store Key West Grilled Chicken

Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. If you have a large batch, you can also freeze the cooked chicken. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to three months in the freezer.

tips to make Key West Grilled Chicken

• For an extra flavor boost, marinate the chicken overnight.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices in the marinade to suit your taste.
• Make sure the grill is preheated to get nice grill marks and prevent sticking.

variation

You can easily customize this recipe by adding different vegetables or spices. For a spicy kick, try adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. You can also replace the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used in this recipe for a juicier result. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may require a little longer to cook.

Q2: Is it safe to marinate chicken in soy sauce overnight?
Yes, it is safe to marinate chicken overnight in soy sauce, but keep it refrigerated to avoid any spoilage.

Q3: Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?
Yes, you can bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Be sure to baste with some marinade for extra flavor!

Key West Grilled Chicken

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A delicious and easy grilled chicken dish inspired by the flavors of the Florida Keys, featuring a flavorful marinade of soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and fresh herbs.

• Author: martha
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 16 minutes
• Total Time: 31 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Caribbean
• Diet: Paleo

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or Coconut Aminos)
• 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)
• 4 boneless chicken breast halves

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Instructions

1. Combine the soy sauce, honey, vegetable oil, lime juice, minced garlic, bell pepper, and cilantro in a shallow bowl to create a marinade.
2. Place the chicken breasts in the bowl, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing the excess to drip off.
5. Grill the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
7. For kebabs, cut chicken into cubes, marinate, and thread onto skewers with vegetables before grilling.
8. For shrimp, marinate and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side.

Notes

Marinating overnight enhances flavor. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect cooking. Preheat the grill for better results.