Key Lime Grilled Chicken
Juicy grilled chicken marinated in zesty lime, honey, and ginger, perfect for a refreshing summer meal or a flavorful family dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine lime juice, honey, water, pepper, ground thyme, vegetable oil, and grated ginger in a blender and blend well.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken breasts and cover. Marinate in the refrigerator overnight.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side.
- Garnish with cilantro and lime slices before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding some zest from the limes into the marinade. If you don't have fresh ginger, ground ginger can be used as a substitute. Also, marinating for a longer period enhances the taste, so try to aim for at least 8-12 hours if possible. This dish pairs beautifully with Mexican recipes, so explore complementary sides like black beans or corn salsa.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Key Lime Grilled Chicken with a fresh cilantro garnish and lime slices for added zest. It goes well with a side of cilantro-lime rice or a refreshing avocado salad. For a fun twist, you can slice the chicken and use it in Chicken Or Turkey Tacos for a delicious meal. Pair it with a light white wine or a cold lager.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover grilled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through, to maintain its juiciness. You can also slice it and microwave in short intervals, covered, to avoid drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Key Lime Grilled Chicken contains roughly 155 calories, with 9g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (315% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), and iron (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 749mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pork or shrimp as alternatives to chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F and shrimp will cook much faster, usually only needing 3-4 minutes per side on the grill.
What if I don't have fresh limes?
If fresh limes are unavailable, bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch. However, fresh juice provides a brighter flavor, so consider using a higher quality bottled juice. Alternatively, lemon juice can also work as a substitute, although the taste will differ slightly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Additionally, grilled chicken can be cooked ahead of time and reheated, making it a great option for meal prep or gatherings.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).