This grilled chicken is bursting with zesty citrus flavor that brightens up every bite! It’s marinated with fresh oranges and lemons, making it juicy and refreshing.
Who doesn’t love a meal that tastes like a mini vacation? I enjoy serving it with a side of rice or a colorful salad. It’s perfect for sunny days when you crave something light and tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe because they grill nicely and stay juicy. If you’re looking for alternatives, you could use chicken thighs for a richer flavor or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Citrus Fruits: The orange and lemon zest and juice add a bright flavor. If you’re out of fresh citrus, bottled juice can work in a pinch, but fresh is always best for taste!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is a must for depth of flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can be a good substitute; just use about half the amount.
Honey: This adds a touch of sweetness. You can swap it with maple syrup or agave if you prefer something plant-based.
Cumin & Paprika: These spices contribute warmth and smokiness. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika is fine, or you can try chili powder for some heat!
How Do You Get Juicy, Flavorful Grilled Chicken?
The secret is in the marinade! Marinating the chicken allows it to soak up all those delicious citrus flavors. Here’s how to do it right:
- Whisk the marinade ingredients together until smooth.
- Make sure the chicken is fully coated in marinade; this helps build flavor.
- Let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour – longer is better! 2-3 hours will really deepen the flavor.
- When grilling, avoid pressing down on the chicken. This keeps the juices sealed inside.
After grilling, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps it stay juicy! Enjoy your zesty dish with rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Key West Grilled Chicken with Zesty Citrus Flavor
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large orange (zested and juiced)
- 1 large lemon (zested and juiced)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and at least 1 hour for the chicken to marinate. If you have time, letting it marinate for 2-3 hours will really enhance the flavor. Grilling will take another 12-16 minutes, depending on your grill. So, in total, you’re looking at about 30 minutes of active time plus marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange zest and juice, lemon zest and juice, minced garlic, olive oil, honey, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until everything is well mixed. This citrus marinade is what gives the chicken its delicious flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the prepared citrus marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. If you can, let it marinate for 2-3 hours for even more flavor!
3. Preheat the Grill:
Just before you’re ready to cook, heat your grill to medium-high. Make sure it’s nice and hot – this is key to getting good grill marks and a juicy chicken!
4. Prepare for Grilling:
Take the chicken out of the marinade and let any excess liquid drip off. Discard the leftover marinade to keep things safe!
5. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes on one side without moving it around. Flip it over and grill for another 6-8 minutes. You’re looking for it to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and have beautiful char marks.
6. Let It Rest:
Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle the grilled chicken with chopped fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your meal with sides like rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually juicier and more flavorful than breasts. Just adjust the grilling time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through compared to breasts.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Citrus Fruits?
No problem! You can use bottled orange and lemon juice as a substitute. Just make sure to choose 100% juice without added sugars for the best flavor. You’ll want about 1/3 cup total of juice for the marinade.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat until heated through. Consider adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Can I Make the Marinade in Advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the marinade a day ahead and keep it stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before adding the chicken, as the ingredients may settle. This extra time can deepen the flavor even more!
