Description
This honey lime chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors in just 20 minutes! Sweet honey, tangy lime juice, and savory soy sauce create the perfect glaze for tender, juicy chicken. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you want something special without the fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts, cut into strips)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Honey Lime Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey (preferably local or raw)
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2–3 large limes)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: Whisk together honey, lime juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime zest, and rice vinegar in a medium bowl. Reserve 1/3 of the marinade in a separate bowl for basting.
- Season the chicken: Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place in remaining marinade for 15-30 minutes.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook 6-7 minutes on first side without moving. Flip and cook 5-6 minutes more until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Make the glaze: Remove chicken to a plate and tent with foil. Add reserved marinade to the same pan and simmer 3-4 minutes until reduced by half and sticky.
- Finish and serve: Return chicken to pan and toss to coat in glaze. Let bubble together for 1 minute. Garnish with green onions and cilantro before serving.
Notes
Pro Tips:
- Use fresh lime juice for best flavor – bottled lacks the bright taste
- Don’t over-marinate beyond 2 hours as the acid can make chicken mushy
- Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts but both work great
- For spicy version, add 1-2 teaspoons sriracha to the marinade
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days. Reheat gently in skillet with splash of broth to prevent glaze from burning.
Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 520
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 28
- Cholesterol: 95
Keywords: honey lime chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, 20 minute meals, Asian chicken, sticky chicken, honey lime sauce, quick dinner