Kiwi Lime Marinated Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for those who want bold flavor with minimal effort. The marinade comes together quickly and uses simple, fresh ingredients. Kiwi not only adds a unique twist but also ensures tender, succulent chicken every time. It’s a great option for grilling, baking, or pan-searing, and pairs well with a wide variety of sides. Whether you’re meal prepping or cooking for a crowd, this dish is sure to impress.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Ripe kiwi, peeled and mashed or pureed
• Fresh lime juice
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Honey or maple syrup
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. In a bowl or resealable bag, combine mashed kiwi, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
2. Add the chicken to the marinade and ensure it’s fully coated.
3. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours. Do not marinate for more than 2 hours, as kiwi can overly tenderize the meat.
4. Preheat your grill, oven, or skillet to medium-high heat.
5. Remove chicken from the marinade and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), about 6–8 minutes per side on the grill or in a pan, or 20–25 minutes in the oven at 400°F (200°C).
6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
7. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve with your favorite side dishes.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Marinating time: 1–2 hours
Cooking time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: approx. 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

• Swap chicken for shrimp or pork using the same marinade.
• Add chili flakes or jalapeño for a spicy kick.
• Mix in orange or pineapple juice for extra tropical flavor.
• Use Greek yogurt in the marinade for a creamy texture.
• Grill on skewers with vegetables for a fun kabob version.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
Avoid reheating too long to prevent drying out the chicken.
Do not store raw chicken in kiwi marinade for extended periods, as the enzyme can break down the meat too much.

FAQs

Why use kiwi in a marinade?

Kiwi contains enzymes that naturally tenderize meat, making it juicy and flavorful.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

1 to 2 hours is ideal; any longer and the kiwi may overly soften the meat.

Can I use bottled lime juice?

Yes, but fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor.

Is this marinade good for grilling?

Yes, it’s excellent for grilling, producing tender, flavorful chicken with a slight char.

Can I use chicken with bones?

Yes, just adjust the cooking time accordingly and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

What sides go well with kiwi lime chicken?

Try rice, grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Freeze the chicken before marinating or after cooking. Do not freeze chicken in kiwi marinade.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, but you can add heat with chili flakes or hot sauce.

Can I use this marinade on tofu or veggies?

Yes, it works well with firm tofu and sturdy vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.

What if I don’t have kiwi?

Pineapple or papaya can also work as natural meat tenderizers with a similar tropical flavor.

Conclusion

Kiwi lime marinated chicken is a bright, juicy, and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress. With the tenderizing power of kiwi and the zing of lime, this recipe turns everyday chicken into something truly special. Whether grilled, baked, or pan-cooked, it delivers on both taste and texture—perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts.

Kiwi Lime Marinated Chicken

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Kiwi lime marinated chicken is a tropical-inspired dish featuring juicy chicken infused with the zesty brightness of lime and the natural tenderizing power of kiwi. It’s flavorful, easy to prepare, and perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-searing.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilled
• Cuisine: Tropical
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 ripe kiwi, peeled and mashed or pureed
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. In a bowl or resealable bag, combine mashed kiwi, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
2. Add the chicken to the marinade and ensure it’s fully coated.
3. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours. Do not marinate for more than 2 hours.
4. Preheat your grill, oven, or skillet to medium-high heat.
5. Remove chicken from the marinade and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C): about 6–8 minutes per side on the grill or in a skillet, or 20–25 minutes in the oven at 400°F (200°C).
6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
7. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

• Do not marinate the chicken for more than 2 hours, as the kiwi enzymes can break down the meat too much.
• Fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor.
• For added heat, mix in chili flakes or jalapeño.
• Can be served hot or cold, making it great for meal prep.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 33g
• Cholesterol: 85mg