Caribbean-Style Citrus Marinated Grilled Chicken

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken breasts marinated in a bright, tangy blend of citrus and spices, grilled to perfection with a smoky char. This caribbean-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs about 6 oz each chicken breasts, fresh lime juice, fresh orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground allspice, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Whisk together until fully mixed.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 chicken breasts (about 6 oz each) in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 6 hours to allow flavors to penetrate.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and discard marinade. Grill chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and the edges are slightly charred.
  4. Step 4: Remove the chicken from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro and 2 sliced scallions before serving for a fresh finish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Caribbean-Style Citrus Marinated Grilled Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Caribbean-Style Citrus Marinated Grilled Chicken?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fresh lime juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caribbean-Style Citrus Marinated Grilled Chicken?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Caribbean-Style Citrus Marinated Grilled Chicken for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Caribbean-Style Citrus Marinated Grilled Chicken gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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