Grilled Key Lime Chicken

This Grilled Key Lime Chicken is actually the recipe that inspired the coconut-lime rice I shared yesterday. I wanted a side dish that would pair perfectly with the chicken’s bright citrus flavor, and that rice ended up being a great match. The two recipes really work well together and make a fresh, flavorful meal that is perfect for summer.

You can make this recipe with either chicken breasts or chicken tenders, depending on your preference. If you use chicken breasts, I really recommend marinating them all day, so they have plenty of time to soak up the flavor. I usually like to use chicken tenders instead because they do not need nearly as long in the marinade. They only need about 4 hours, and once they hit the grill, they cook incredibly fast at just about 2 minutes per side. That makes them a great option for an easy warm summer night dinner.

This recipe also calls for key lime juice. You can use regular lime juice if you need to, but the best flavor really comes from using key lime juice. It gives the chicken a slightly different citrus flavor that makes the recipe stand out. And when you serve it with the coconut-lime rice, the whole meal comes together in such a delicious way.

Ingredients for Grilled Key Lime Chicken

• CHICKEN TENDERLOINS OR BONELESS SKINLESS CHICKEN BREASTS – Either chicken tenderloins or chicken breasts work well in this recipe. Chicken tenderloins are a great option because they marinate more quickly and cook very fast on the grill, while chicken breasts are a good choice if you want a larger main dish portion.
• VEGETABLE OIL – Vegetable oil is the base of the marinade and helps coat the chicken evenly. It also helps carry all of the other flavors and keeps the chicken moist as it grills.
• KEY LIME JUICE – Key lime juice is the star flavor in this recipe and gives the chicken its bright, tangy citrus taste. It has a slightly different flavor than regular lime juice and gives the marinade a more distinct, tropical feel.
• SALT – Salt helps season the chicken and brings out all of the other flavors in the marinade. It is an important part of making sure the chicken tastes flavorful all the way through.
• PAPRIKA – Paprika adds a little color and mild flavor to the marinade. It helps round out the seasoning and gives the chicken a warm, savory touch.
• DRIED BASIL – Dried basil adds a light herby flavor that works well with the citrus in the marinade. It helps give the chicken a fresh, summery taste.
• ONION POWDER – Onion powder adds savory depth and helps build flavor in the marinade. It blends in easily and gives the chicken a fuller taste.
• THYME LEAVES – Thyme adds a subtle earthy, herby flavor that balances well with the lime juice and other seasonings. Even a small amount helps add more depth to the marinade.
• GARLIC POWDER – Garlic powder adds a savory boost and rounds out the marinade’s overall flavor. It pairs especially well with the lime and herbs.

Instructions for Grilled Key Lime Chicken

Place the chicken in a gallon-size zip-top bag and set it aside. In a bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, key lime juice, salt, paprika, basil, onion powder, thyme, and garlic powder until well combined. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and toss the chicken around a little to coat evenly.

Place the ziplock bag in the fridge and let the chicken marinate. If you are using chicken tenderloins, they only need about 4 hours. If you are using chicken breasts, let them marinate for about 8 hours, so they have more time to soak up all of that flavor.

About 1 hour before you plan to cook the chicken, remove it from the marinade. When you are ready to grill, cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. If you are using tenderloins, they cook very quickly and usually only need about 2 minutes per side. This recipe serves 5 to 6.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate the chicken?
If you are using chicken tenderloins, marinate them for about 4 hours. If you are using chicken breasts, marinate them for about 8 hours.

Can I use regular lime juice instead of key lime juice?
Yes, you can substitute regular lime juice if needed. However, key lime juice gives the chicken the best and most distinctive key lime flavor.

Why does this recipe use so much oil in the marinade?
The oil helps coat the chicken, carry the seasonings’ flavor, and keep it moist on the grill. It also helps balance the acidity of the lime juice.

How long does it take to grill the chicken?
Chicken tenderloins cook very quickly, usually taking about 2 minutes per side. Chicken breasts will take longer to cook, depending on their thickness, and should be cooked until they reach 165 degrees.

Do I need to let the chicken sit out before grilling?
Yes. This recipe suggests removing the chicken from the marinade about 1 hour before cooking. That can help it cook more evenly.

Can I cook this chicken in a way other than grilling?
Yes. If you do not want to grill it, you could also cook the chicken in a skillet, bake it in the oven, or air-fry it.

What should I serve with grilled key lime chicken?
It is especially delicious served with coconut-lime rice. It also goes well with grilled vegetables, a simple salad, or roasted potatoes.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. This is a great recipe to prep ahead since the chicken needs time to marinate before cooking.

Can I freeze the chicken in the marinade?
Yes. You can place the chicken and marinade in a freezer bag and freeze it for later. Then thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking.

How do I know when the chicken is done?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer and cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

Tips and Tricks

• Use chicken tenders for faster marinating and grilling.
  They only need about 4 hours in the marinade and cook very quickly on the grill.
• Use key lime juice for the best flavor.
  Regular lime juice can work, but key lime juice gives the chicken its best and most distinctive flavor.
• Marinate chicken breasts longer than tenders.
  If you use chicken breasts, give them about 8 hours so they have enough time to soak up the marinade.
• Remove the chicken from the marinade before grilling.
  Letting it sit out of the marinade for about an hour before cooking can help it cook more evenly.
• Use a meat thermometer for breasts.
  Tenderloins cook fast, but larger chicken breasts are easier to monitor with a thermometer so they stay juicy and do not overcook.

FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:

• Grilled Chicken Tacos
• Balsamic Chicken Marinade
• Italian Chicken Marinade
• Smoky Grilled Chicken Marinade

This recipe is adapted from Plain Chicken.