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+ servings
Pollo Tropical Citrus Marinated Chicken Recipe

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
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 day 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

  • Plastic wrap
  • Large bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Instructions
 

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

  • When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill over medium-high heat. The secret here is to get that grill nice and hot. A properly heated grill means those chicken breasts will get beautiful grill marks while sealing in all that moisture.

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.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

  • Once the chicken is cooked through—reaching an internal temperature of 165°F—remove it from the grill. Let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes. This resting ensures those juices redistribute throughout the meat, making every bite tender and juicy. Slice it up and serve!

Notes

  • 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcal
Keyword Pollo Tropical Citrus Marinated Chicken Recipe
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