Healthy and Delectable: Key West Chicken Recipe
Are your taste buds craving something tangy and delicious? Do you want to impress your guests at your next dinner party with a dish that will make their tongues sing? Look no further than this Key West Chicken Recipe.
Inspired by the flavors of the Florida Keys, this recipe combines lime juice, soy sauce, garlic, and honey for a sweet and sour chicken experience that is sure to delight. Whether you are a seasoned home chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and will have your dinner guests asking for seconds.
Picture yourself sitting in the warm sun while you enjoy a plate of grilled chicken with a side of fresh vegetables or even cauliflower rice. This dish is perfect for summertime barbecues or served on a cool fall evening as you reminisce about sunny beach days.
So why not bring a taste of the sunshine state to your own kitchen with this Key West Chicken Recipe? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of the same boring chicken recipes? Look no further than this Key West Chicken recipe. With its irresistible combination of tangy lime juice, sweet honey, and savory soy sauce, this meal is sure to delight your taste buds.
But what sets this recipe apart is its versatility. Whether you’re serving grilled chicken to a group of guests or looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, this dish can be adapted to suit all occasions.
And let’s not forget about the health benefits of this dish. Chicken breast halves are high in protein and low in fat, making it a healthy alternative to red meats. Plus, the addition of vegetable oil and cauliflower rice can make this dish even healthier if you’re looking to cut down on calories.
So why not try something new and give our Key West Chicken recipe a go? You won’t regret it.
Ingredient List
Let’s dive into the ingredients for this Key West Chicken Recipe.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 chicken breast halves
- 3 cloves of minced garlic
- 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice
- 3 tablespoons of honey
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
For the chicken marinade:
– In a small bowl, blend soy sauce, garlic, lime juice, honey, and vegetable oil.
– Place chicken in a shallow container and pour the marinade over the chicken.
– Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Feel free to adjust the amount of each ingredient to your own liking. Now that everything is prepared let’s move to the next section to start cooking!
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all the ingredients needed, let’s dive into the recipe How-To! Follow these simple steps to get a tasty and juicy Key West Grilled Chicken Recipe:
Marinate the Chicken
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First, prepare the marinade by combining 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 minced garlic clove in a small bowl.
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Place 4 chicken breast halves in a shallow container and blend the soy sauce-honey-vegetable oil mixture together.
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Pour the marinade over the chicken, cover it with plastic wrap, and put it in the fridge.
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Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to overnight. The longer you let it marinate, the better it will taste!
Tip: If you want to add more kick to your grilled chicken, try adding some cayenne pepper or chili flakes into the marinade.
Grill It!
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Preheat your grill on medium-high heat.
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Take out the chicken from the marinade and season with salt and black pepper on both sides.
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Put them on the grill skin-side down first, then cook for around 6-8 minutes until they develop nice grill marks.
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Flip them over using tongs and brush some extra marinade on top.
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Cook until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached (use a meat thermometer), which should take another 6-8 minutes depending on their thickness.
Tip: When grilling, never cut into the chicken to check if it’s done as this releases its juices and makes it dry out quickly.
- After cooking, transfer the chicken to a plate and [let it rest for five minutes]. This allows its juices to redistribute evenly throughout creating juicier grilled chicken!
Serve and Enjoy!
This sweet-sour Key West Grilled Chicken recipe pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as fresh greens salad, roasted vegetables or even cauliflower rice if you are going low-carb! You can sprinkle some chopped cilantro or lemon zest onto your grilled chicken for added freshness too.
So go ahead, grab that delicious Key West Grilled Chicken now and savor every bite!
Substitutions and Variations
While the Key West Chicken Recipe is already packed with flavor, you might want to try some substitutions and variations to make it even more exciting. Here are some ideas:
1. Different meat options: If you’re not a fan of chicken breast halves or just looking to switch things up, you can use chicken thighs or shrimp as an alternative.
2. Vegetarian option: You can make a vegetarian version of this recipe by replacing the chicken with tofu or cauliflower florets.
3. Gluten-free option: To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari and ensure all other ingredients are free from gluten.
4. Spice level: Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less garlic, lime juice, or honey.
5. Sweet and Sour Chicken: Make the Key West Chicken into sweet and sour chicken made by swapping honey for rice vinegar.
6. Cilantro Lime Chicken: Turn your Key West grilled chicken into cilantro lime chicken by adding chopped cilantro and lime zest to the marinade mixture.
7. Pairing options: You can pair this dish with some grilled vegetables, a side salad, or even some cauliflower rice. This will help balance out the flavors of the dish while providing added nutrition.
Remember that these are just suggestions, so feel free to experiment and find what works best for you!
Serving and Pairing
Key West Chicken Recipe is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. The colorful and flavorful chicken pairs well with several sides and drinks that complement its Caribbean flavors. Here are some serving and pairing suggestions that will make your Key West Chicken experience unforgettable.
First, let’s talk about the perfect side dishes to serve with Key West Chicken. The dish’s sweet and sour notes blend perfectly with mildly spiced or tangy flavors. For instance, Grilled Pineapple or Tropical Salad with fresh fruits such as Mango, Pineapple or Papaya are popular choices. You could also add a side of Black Beans and Rice cooked with some bay leaves and cilantro or Roasted Sweet Potatoes for a filling meal.
If you’re in the mood for something more low-carb, serving your Key West Chicken with Grilled Vegetables such as Broccoli, Zucchini, or Cauliflower would be an excellent choice. You could also opt for a light Cucumber Tomato Salad or a refreshing Avocado Lime Dressing for a healthy and delicious option.
As for the perfect drinks to pair with Key West Chicken, I recommend fruity cocktails that match its tropical vibe. You can never go wrong with a classic Margarita or Mojito. Alternatively, if you’re looking for non-alcoholic options, go with a glass of fresh lemonade or hibiscus tea.
Lastly, when it comes to desserts that complement Key West Chicken’s flavors, how about trying a slice of Coconut Cake or some Caribbean-inspired dessert like Rum Cake? They would provide just the sweet treat needed to end the meal on a high note.
Whatever sides, drinks or desserts you decide to pair it with, Key West Chicken Recipe is sure to be praised by your friends and family. It’s hard to resist succulent grilled chicken blended in flavors like garlic, lime juice, honey and soy sauce that transports you right to the Florida Keys from your own kitchen. Enjoy!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this Key West Chicken Recipe is that it can be made in advance, making it perfect for parties and events. You can prepare the marinade up to three days before serving and then marinate the chicken breasts for at least an hour, or overnight, in a shallow container in the fridge.
Leftover grilled chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. When refrigerating, make sure to place leftover chicken in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil. If you’re planning on eating leftover grilled chicken later, you can reheat it by placing it in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To prevent drying out, it is recommended to reheat with some chicken stock or water.
Another great way to use leftover Key West Chicken is to slice it and put it on top of salads or sandwiches. It’s a perfect addition to lettuce wraps, chicken Caesar salads, and even burrito bowls.
If you want to make this ahead of time and freeze it, be sure to do so before marinating the chicken. Make the marinade as instructed and put 1-2 tablespoons of sauce per ziplock bag. Then add freshly thawed chicken breasts after removing them from their excess moisture.
With these tips, you will always have delicious grilled chicken ready for any occasion. From serving as a main dish at dinner parties to including them in lunch boxes for work or school, this versatile dish is a must-try for anyone who loves grilled chicken dishes!
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking is both an art and a science, and this Key West Chicken recipe is no exception. Here are some tips to make sure that your dish comes out perfectly every time.
Firstly, when marinating your chicken in the soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, honey, and vegetable oil mixture, ensure that it is well coated on all sides. The marinade not only adds flavor but also tenderizes the chicken, making for a juicier and more succulent dish.
Secondly, always use fresh ingredients. The lime juice and garlic should be freshly squeezed/minced, while the honey should be flowy and smooth. Using stale or old ingredients can lead to a less flavorful Key West Chicken recipe.
Thirdly, preheat your grill or grill pan until it’s smoking hot before placing the chicken onto it. This guarantees a perfectly seared exterior while keeping the interior juicy and moist.
Fourthly, flip the chicken only once on the grill when cooking to avoid drying it out. It is important to resist the temptation of constantly flipping the chicken as this can cause it to lose its moisture and become tough.
Fifthly, let the meat rest for at least five minutes after taking it off the grill before slicing it into pieces. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken resulting in tender delicious bites in your mouth.
Sixthly, garnish with cilantro and lime wedges before serving to add a pop of color as well as enhance its flavors with a subtle freshness.
Lastly, take into consideration any substitutions or additions suggested in section (5) Substitutions and Variations of this recipe article before proceeding with the recipe itself to achieve optimal results.
With these helpful tips in mind, you’ll be able to cook up a delicious Key West Chicken recipe that will impress your guests in no time at all!
FAQ
Before we conclude this recipe article, it’s essential to address any possible questions or concerns that might arise when preparing Key West Chicken. In this section (FAQ), we will provide solutions to some of the most common queries that can make a difference in the final result of this dish. Let’s go over these crucial questions so that you can feel confident in making and enjoying your Key West Chicken Recipe!
How long to marinate chicken?
Marinating chicken is a great way to add flavor and moisture to your meat. You can marinate chicken for as little as 15 to 30 minutes or as long as 24 hours, depending on the size and cut of the meat. For bone-in chicken, like wings or drumsticks, a longer marinating time is necessary to fully infuse the flavors. However, boneless chicken can absorb flavors fairly quickly, meaning you won’t need as long to marinate them. Keep this in mind when planning your marinating time for your next chicken dish.
How do you make chicken in New Orleans?
Firstly, coat the chicken with flour evenly. Next, take a large saucepan or Dutch oven and warm up some oil on medium heat. Then, brown the chicken pieces for about 8 minutes on each side until they are cooked on the outside.
Moving forward, take sausage, garlic, onion, peppers, tomatoes, sugar, thyme, oregano, salt, and allspice and mix them together in the same saucepan you used earlier. After this, stir in some rice followed by the addition of some stock. Make sure everything is mixed well before proceeding.
What’s sweet and sour chicken made of?
Chinese sweet and sour chicken is a crispy fried dish that is coated in a tangy sauce made with a combination of ketchup, vinegar, sugar, water, and cornstarch. The chicken is coated in a thick layer of cornstarch, or a heavy batter, before it is fried to perfection. The sauce is usually seasoned with pineapple juice or bits to add a fruity flavor. The dish is then stir-fried along with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and pineapple to give it a colorful and savory taste.
How does Ramsay Marinate chicken?
Let’s start by whipping up a mouth-watering marinade for our chicken breasts. In a small mixing bowl, combine some tangy mustard, sweet honey, zesty lemon juice, smoky paprika, spicy cayenne pepper, and some crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick. But don’t use it all just yet! We’ll need 3 tablespoons of this flavorful mixture later, so go ahead and set that aside for now. Next up, arrange your chicken breasts in a shallow pan and pour the remaining marinade on top. Make sure to evenly coat the chicken by giving it a good toss. This will infuse those delicious flavors into the meat and leave your guests asking for seconds.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Key West Chicken Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves grilled chicken with an island flavor twist. This easy-to-follow recipe uses simple ingredients such as chicken breast halves, garlic, lime juice, honey, soy sauce and vegetable oil to make an irresistible sweet and sour chicken dish that melts in your mouth.
Moreover, this recipe supplies great opportunities for customization with its substitutions and variations sections, making it possible to craft more unique flavor profiles to suit preferences. Whether it’s adding shrimp or pairing with cauliflower rice or enjoying it on its own, this chicken recipe can definitely please everyone.
Lastly, by following the tips for perfect results mentioned earlier such as marinating the chicken up to 24 hours before grilling or using a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking or undercooking the chicken pieces, you can ensure that your Key West Chicken will never be anything less than perfect.
So what are you waiting for? Try this Key West Chicken recipe today and experience a healthy yet delicious Florida Keys-inspired dish that will elevate any backyard barbecue or weeknight dinner with friends and family.
Key West Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic, chopped
- 4 chicken breast halves, skinless boneless
Instructions
- In a shallow container, blend soy sauce, honey, vegetable oil, lime juice, and garlic. Place chicken breast halves into the mixture, and turn to coat. Cover, and marinate in the refrigerator at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat.
- Lightly oil the grill grate. Discard marinade, and grill chicken 6 to 8 minutes on each side, until juices run clear.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!