Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Tropical Flavor: Combines lime, orange, and fresh herbs for a refreshing taste.
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Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients and quick mixing.
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Versatile: Great for chicken breasts, thighs, or even shrimp.
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Juicy and Tender: Citrus and oil help tenderize the meat.
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Perfect for Grilling: Adds a delicious charred flavor when grilled.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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½ cup fresh lime juice
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¼ cup fresh orange juice
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon honey
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Directions
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, garlic, honey, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.
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Add Cilantro: Stir in fresh chopped cilantro.
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Marinate Chicken: Place chicken pieces in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Seal or cover.
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Refrigerate: Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably 4 hours, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
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Cook Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, discard marinade, and cook as desired—grill, bake, or pan-sear until fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
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Serve: Let rest a few minutes before serving to retain juiciness.
Servings and Timing
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Marinade Yield: Enough for 4-6 chicken breasts or thighs
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Marinating Time: 1 to 12 hours
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Cook Time: 15-20 minutes (depending on cooking method)
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Total Time: Varies based on marinating
Variations
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Spicy Kick: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
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Herb Variations: Substitute cilantro with fresh parsley or basil.
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Sweetness Level: Adjust honey amount to taste or use agave nectar.
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Citrus Twist: Add zest of lime and orange for extra aroma.
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Vegan Option: Use marinade for tofu or vegetables.
Storage/Reheating
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Marinade Storage: Can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Leftover Chicken: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I marinate chicken overnight?
Yes, marinating overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
Can this marinade be frozen?
Yes, the marinade can be frozen separately. Avoid freezing marinated raw chicken.
What cuts of chicken work best?
Breasts, thighs, drumsticks, or tenders all work well.
Can I use bottled lime and orange juice?
Fresh juice is preferred for best flavor, but bottled juice can be used.
Is this marinade gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use this marinade for seafood?
Yes, it’s excellent for shrimp, fish, or scallops.
How long should I marinate chicken?
At least 1 hour; up to 12 hours for more flavor.
What cooking methods work best?
Grilling, baking, or pan-searing all work great.
Can I reuse the marinade?
No, discard used marinade that’s been in contact with raw chicken.
How do I prevent chicken from sticking to the grill?
Oil the grill grates before cooking and avoid moving the chicken too soon.
Conclusion
Key West Chicken Marinade is a vibrant, easy-to-make blend that brings tropical flair and juicy tenderness to your chicken dishes. Perfect for grilling season or anytime you want a fresh, flavorful meal, this marinade is a delicious way to brighten up your dinner table with simple ingredients and bold taste
Key West Chicken Marinade
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: Varies with marinating
- Yield: 4-6 chicken
- Category: Marinade
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Key West Chicken Marinade is a zesty tropical marinade bursting with fresh lime and orange juices, garlic, and herbs. It infuses chicken with bright, juicy flavors perfect for grilling or baking. This easy-to-make marinade tenderizes and flavors chicken breasts, thighs, or shrimp, bringing the vibrant taste of Key West to your meals.
Ingredients
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½ cup fresh lime juice
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¼ cup fresh orange juice
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon honey
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, garlic, honey, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper until well blended.
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Add Cilantro: Stir in chopped fresh cilantro.
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Marinate Chicken: Place chicken pieces in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Seal or cover.
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Refrigerate: Marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, preferably 4 hours, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
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Cook Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade and discard marinade. Grill, bake, or pan-sear chicken until fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
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Serve: Let chicken rest a few minutes before serving to retain juices.
Notes
Add cayenne pepper or jalapeños for a spicy kick.Swap cilantro for parsley or basil for a different herbal note.Adjust honey or use agave nectar to change sweetness.Add lime and orange zest for extra citrus aroma.This marinade works well for tofu or vegetables as a vegan option.
