Pollo Tropical Citrus Marinated Chicken Recipe
Tina Cooper
It was a balmy summer evening when the aroma of grilled chicken wafted through our backyard, entwining itself with laughter and chatter.
Prep Time 1 day d
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 1 day d 20 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 220 kcal
- Juice from 2 lemons approximately 1/4 cup
- Juice from 2 large limes approximately 1/4 cup
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice or 1 cup of pureed fresh pineapple
- 2 + lbs of chicken breast thinly sliced, or regular chicken breasts halved lengthwise (up to 4 lbs can be marinated with this quantity)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl, combine the citrus juices. Squeeze those lemons and limes until your arms feel the burn, but you’ll be glad you did! Add the freshly squeezed orange juice or pureed pineapple—either works wonders.
Step 2: Mix in the Flavors
Add the minced garlic, finely chopped onion, olive oil, honey, smoked paprika, turmeric, cumin, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Stir everything together until well combined. The colors and scents will start to inspire your senses.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Take your chicken breasts and give them a bit of a drizzle with the marinade. Make sure every piece is coated. Ideally, you want that chicken swimming in citrus goodness. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer everything into a resealable bag. Whatever floats your boat! Refrigerate for at least two hours, or even better—overnight.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill
Step 5: Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the pieces on the hot grill, and let them cook without moving them for about 6–8 minutes on one side. Flip them only once to achieve that coveted char.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher the citrus, the brighter the flavors. Don’t skimp on quality!
- Longer Marination Equals Better Flavor: If time allows, marinate overnight for deeper taste.
- Try Different Citrus: Experiment with grapefruit or tangerines for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
- Grill or Bake: This chicken can also be baked in the oven at 375°F for about 25–30 minutes if you don’t have a grill.
- Leftovers Are a Treat: This chicken is excellent cold on salads the next day.
Calories: 220kcal
Keyword Pollo Tropical Citrus Marinated Chicken Recipe