If you’re craving a dish that bursts with fresh citrus flavor and effortlessly combines savory and sweet notes, then the Key West Lime Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This dish is all about juicy, tender chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant blend of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and zesty lime juice, creating a harmonious balance of tangy and rich flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe brings a touch of tropical sunshine straight to your plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two parts: on the left, there is a clear round glass bowl filled with several large pieces of raw chicken skin on, soaking in a dark brown sauce with some small bubbles and a silver spoon resting inside the bowl. On the right, there is an oval black cast iron pan with the same chicken pieces placed flat, skin side up, showing a pale golden brown color with a slightly wet and textured surface. Both items are placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

You’ll find that this recipe relies on just a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, each carefully chosen to create layers of taste, vibrant color, and perfect texture in your dish.

Soy sauce: Adds a deep umami flavor and a slight saltiness that complements the bright lime beautifully.
Honey: Balances the acidity with a natural sweetness and helps to caramelize the chicken skin during cooking.
Vegetable oil: Ensures even cooking and keeps the chicken juicy while giving a beautiful crispy skin.
Lime juice: The star ingredient, providing that unmistakable fresh, tart punch that defines Key West-style dishes.
Garlic cloves: Crushed to release their pungent aroma, garlic infuses the marinade with a savory depth.
Chicken thighs, bone in and skin on: The ideal cut for this recipe, offering rich flavor and tenderness that pairs perfectly with the marinade.

How to Make Key West Lime Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by whisking together soy sauce, honey, vegetable oil, lime juice, and crushed garlic in a bowl. This vibrant marinade is where all the flavor magic begins, ensuring every bite is coated with that perfect blend of sweet, salty, and tangy goodness.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken thighs in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Make sure each piece is thoroughly coated, then cover and refrigerate for at least one hour, but for best results, let it sit overnight. This allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat, making every mouthful incredibly flavorful.

Step 3: Preheat and Prepare to Cook

When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. This step is key to achieving that crispy, caramelized skin everyone loves.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment for easy cleanup. Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes, until the skin is golden and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Halfway through, spoon some of the marinade over the chicken for an added boost of flavor and moisture.

How to Serve Key West Lime Chicken Recipe

This image shows a black cast iron pan with four pieces of cooked chicken thighs that have golden brown and crispy skin with some charred edges. Each chicken piece is topped with small green herb leaves, likely cilantro or parsley. Around the chicken pieces are several light yellow lime wedges adding color contrast. A silver fork is holding one piece of chicken, showing the inside which is moist and light in color. The pan has a small amount of cooking oil that gives a slight shine to the chicken. The background is a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your finished chicken with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley and some thin lime wedges. The herbs add a pop of color and a fresh aroma, while the lime wedges let everyone add an extra citrus kick to their liking.

Side Dishes

This lime chicken pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing sides like coconut rice, grilled vegetables, or a crisp green salad. These choices balance the richness of the chicken and maintain the tropical, bright theme of the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken on a bed of quinoa tossed with diced mango and avocado, elevating your Key West Lime Chicken Recipe with tropical colors and textures that impress. Alternatively, use the chicken to top tacos with some cabbage slaw and a drizzle of lime crema for a casual, festive presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place any leftover Key West Lime Chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days while maintaining most of its juicy flavor.

Freezing

If you want to keep this dish longer, freeze the cooked chicken in freezer-safe containers or bags. It holds up well for up to 2 months and will be ready to thaw and enjoy when you need a quick, flavorful meal.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through to help keep the skin as crispy as possible. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve texture, but if you’re in a rush, cover loosely and heat in short intervals.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs offer more juice and flavor, chicken breasts can work too. Just be mindful that breasts cook faster and can dry out, so adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is soy sauce gluten-free?

Traditional soy sauce contains gluten, but you can swap it for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to keep this Key West Lime Chicken Recipe gluten-friendly.

Can I grill the chicken instead of baking?

Yes, grilling adds a smoky char that pairs wonderfully with the lime marinade. Grill over medium heat until cooked through, turning occasionally for even cooking.

What can I substitute for honey?

If you don’t have honey, maple syrup or agave nectar are excellent natural sweetener alternatives that maintain the balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate for at least one hour for decent flavor, but overnight marinating is recommended to allow the ingredients to fully infuse and tenderize the chicken.

Final Thoughts

The Key West Lime Chicken Recipe is a true standout that brings a burst of sunshine and flavor to your kitchen with minimal fuss. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s a wonderful way to transform simple ingredients into a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Once you make it, this marinated chicken will surely become a cherished staple in your meal rotation.