Key West Grilled Chicken with Tropical Citrus Marinade

Posted on February 12, 2026

Delicious grilled chicken with tropical citrus marinade served on a plate

Quick Overview

Bright, tangy, and beachy—this Key West Grilled Chicken with Tropical Citrus Marinade is an easy weeknight grill winner that tastes like sunshine. Ready in a few hours (marinade time) and perfect for picnic-style dinners or weeknight meal prep.

introduction

Key West Grilled Chicken with Tropical Citrus Marinade brings refreshing citrus notes and warm spices together for a juicy, grill-marked main that everyone will ask for again. This recipe is ideal when you want a light but flavorful dinner that pairs perfectly with simple sides and fresh greens. Try serving it alongside a crunchy slaw or your favorite grilled vegetables for an instant tropical escape, or keep it simple and stuffed into wraps inspired by this grilled chicken broccoli bowls with creamy garlic sauce for delicious leftovers.

Why You’ll Love This Key West Grilled Chicken with Tropical Citrus Marinade

Bright citrus marinade with lime, orange, and lemon for a refreshing tropical flavor.
Quick hands-on time—marinade does the work; grilling is fast.
Family-friendly and kid-approved—sweet, tangy, not spicy.
Great for meal prep: cooks in bulk and keeps well for lunches.
Versatile—serve on salads, rice bowls, tacos, or tucked into sandwiches.

Ingredients Needed :

Protein

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Marinade

1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
3 cloves garlic, minced

Spices & Zest

1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Zest of 1 lime
Zest of 1 orange

Toppings & Garnish

Fresh cilantro for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions :

In a medium bowl, combine the lime juice, orange juice, lemon juice, soy sauce, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, black pepper, lime zest, and orange zest. Whisk together until well blended to form the marinade.
Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the tropical citrus marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Discard the remaining marinade.
Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and has nice grill marks.
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with your favorite side dishes.

Serving Suggestions Key West Grilled Chicken with Tropical Citrus Marinade

Slice and serve over coconut rice with grilled pineapple and a squeeze of lime.
Chop and toss into a crunchy cabbage slaw for bright texture and contrast.
Wrap with avocado, lettuce, and a smear of chipotle mayo for a coastal-style sandwich—pair with ideas like this grilled chicken wrap with chipotle mayo for inspiration.
Add to grain bowls with black beans, roasted corn, and a cilantro-lime dressing.

Tips for Success Key West Grilled Chicken with Tropical Citrus Marinade

Marinate longer for deeper flavor: 2 hours is fine, but overnight gives the best citrus infusion.
Pat chicken dry before grilling to get perfect sear marks and avoid steaming.
Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure each breast hits 165°F (75°C) for safe, juicy results.
Don’t overcrowd the grill—give each piece room so heat circulates evenly.
For a quick weeknight option, halve the breasts for thinner cuts that grill faster and stay tender—similar to these tender grilled chicken bites served with a rich and creamy garlic sauce ideas.

variation (if any)

Tropical Herb Twist: Add chopped mango or pineapple to the marinade for a sweeter note.
Spicy Kick: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon cayenne or a splash of sriracha to the marinade for heat.
Oven or Grill-Pan: If you don’t have an outdoor grill, broil or cook on a hot cast-iron skillet—finish under high heat for charred edges. Want a sandwich spin? Try a warm, saucy version like the Applebee’s grilled chicken sandwich recipe for creative serving ideas.

FAQs

Q: How long can I marinate the chicken?
A: Up to 24 hours is safe and flavorful; beyond that the citrus can start to break down the meat texture.

Q: Can I use thigh meat instead of breasts?
A: Yes—boneless skinless thighs are more forgiving and stay juicy. Grill time may vary slightly.

Q: Is there a good non-alcoholic glaze to finish the chicken?
A: Warm 1 tablespoon honey with 1 tablespoon orange juice and brush over the chicken in the final minute for a glossy finish.

Q: Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
A: Yes—seal properly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling.

Conclusion

This Key West-style grilled chicken is a simple way to brighten weeknight dinners with tropical citrus and warm spices. For more marinades and coastal inspiration, check out this classic Key West Chicken Recipe – Allrecipes. If you want another take on the marinade and technique, this Key West Chicken Marinade – My Homemade Roots has helpful tips. For a lighter, nutrition-focused version, see the Key West-Inspired Chicken – EatingWell.