Description
This easy honey lime chicken recipe is ready in just 20 minutes! Sweet, tangy glaze with simple ingredients creates tender, juicy chicken that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Restaurant-quality flavor with minimal prep time.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for extra crispy coating)
- For the Honey Lime Glaze:
- ⅓ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch for thickening
- For Serving:
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper, then toss with cornstarch if using. Cut into uniform 1-inch pieces.
- Make the honey lime sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime zest, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes if using. In a separate bowl, whisk cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Glaze and serve: Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour honey lime sauce over chicken, stirring gently to coat. Add cornstarch slurry and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until glaze becomes glossy and coats the chicken. Remove from heat and garnish with cilantro, sesame seeds, and lime wedges. Serve immediately.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in skillet with a splash of water if glaze becomes too thick.
Substitutions: Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for extra tenderness. Maple syrup can substitute honey. Bottled lime juice works but fresh is preferred.
Make it spicy: Add 1 teaspoon sriracha to the glaze for heat.
Meal prep: Cook chicken and store separately from glaze. Combine when reheating for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 17
- Sodium: 580
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 35
- Cholesterol: 85
Keywords: honey lime chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, quick weeknight meal, honey lime glaze, Asian chicken, 20 minute chicken, skillet chicken, sweet and sour chicken