Description
This is the best honey lime chicken recipe you’ll ever make! Sweet, tangy, and ready in just 20 minutes, this easy weeknight dinner features a perfect honey lime glaze that caramelizes beautifully. Tested over 50 times for foolproof results every time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts, cut into cutlets)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
For the Honey Lime Marinade:
- 1/2 cup honey (raw, local honey works best)
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2–3 limes)
- 2 tablespoons lime zest
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Make the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, fresh lime juice, lime zest, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, and 2 tablespoons olive oil until well combined.
- Season the chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and chili powder.
- Marinate: Place seasoned chicken in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour three-quarters of the marinade over the chicken, reserving the remaining quarter for glazing. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for best results.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade (discard used marinade) and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Create the glaze: In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the reserved marinade to the pan. Let it bubble and reduce, creating a glossy glaze that coats the chicken.
- Check doneness: Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and serve: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
Pro Tips:
- Don’t skip the lime zest – it provides concentrated citrus flavor
- Watch for honey burning – reduce heat if glaze starts to blacken
- Double the marinade recipe for extra sauce
- Chicken thighs are more forgiving than breasts
Cooking Variations:
- Oven: Bake at 425°F for 18-22 minutes
- Grill: Cook on medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side
- Air Fryer: Cook at 400°F for 12-15 minutes
Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 480
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 28
- Cholesterol: 108
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