Key West Grilled Chicken is a tasty dish that brings a sunny vibe to your table. It features juicy chicken marinated in zesty lime juice, garlic, and spices, giving it a wonderful flavor.
This is my go-to recipe for summer cookouts! I love serving it with fresh veggies or a light salad. Plus, the grill makes everything better—it just adds that delicious smoky taste!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect because they grill nicely and absorb flavors well. You could substitute with thighs for more moisture or a plant-based protein like tofu for a vegetarian option.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds richness to the marinade. If you’re out, any neutral oil like canola or avocado will work just fine.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice really brightens the dish. If fresh limes are unavailable, bottled lime juice is a suitable backup, though the flavor isn’t quite as fresh.
Spices: Oregano, cumin, and paprika are key to that Caribbean flavor. Don’t have them? Italian seasoning can replace oregano and smoked paprika can replace regular paprika for a nice twist.
Black Beans: If black beans aren’t your favorite, you can swap them for kidney beans or pinto beans. Both provide a similar texture and flavor!
How Do I Marinate Chicken Properly?
Marinating chicken is key to making it flavorful and juicy. Here’s how to do it right:
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, and spices until well blended.
- Add the chicken into a resealable bag or dish. Pour the marinade over it, making sure it’s fully coated.
- Seal or cover it and refrigerate, letting it sit for at least 1 hour. For more flavor, aim for 2-4 hours. Avoid marinating too long as the acid can make the chicken mushy.
Personally, I love letting the chicken marinate overnight for an even deeper flavor!
How to Make Key West Grilled Chicken?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lime wedges for garnish
For the Sides:
- 1 cup yellow rice, cooked
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and then 2-4 hours for marinating the chicken. You’ll spend around 15-20 minutes cooking everything on the grill and stove. Overall, you should plan for about 2 hours and 30 minutes, allowing time for marinating.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
Start by getting a medium bowl. In that bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This mixture is going to give your chicken a wonderful flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s all coated well. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and put it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, but if you can, let it sit for 2-4 hours for even more flavor!
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade and toss the leftover marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until it’s cooked through. Keep an eye on it; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) and you want those nice grill marks!
4. Cook the Sides:
While your chicken is grilling, grab a saucepan and set it over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper, sautéing them until they’re nice and soft. Then, stir in the drained black beans and chili powder, cooking until everything is heated through and well combined.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is cooked, take a platter and lay the grilled chicken on it. Serve it alongside the yellow rice and the yummy black bean mixture. Don’t forget to garnish with lime wedges for that extra zest! Enjoy your delicious Key West Grilled Chicken!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces, but cooking times will vary! Bone-in chicken usually takes about 10-15 minutes longer on the grill, so make sure to check that it’s cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving.
What Can I Substitute for Lime Juice?
If you don’t have lime juice on hand, fresh lemon juice works beautifully as a substitute! Alternatively, you can use vinegar (like white wine or apple cider) for a similar zesty flavor, but use only about half the amount since vinegar is more potent.
How Do I Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage – just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and it will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge and warm up in the oven or microwave.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Absolutely! You can add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for extra heat. Alternatively, serve with a spicy salsa on the side to kick things up a notch!
