Description
Honey Lime Chicken brings a zesty twist to your weeknight dinner routine that sparks excitement at the table. Marinated with tangy lime and sweet honey, this chicken delivers a simple yet flavor-packed meal your family will absolutely devour.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Sweetener:
- ¼ cup honey
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Citrus:
- Zest of 1 lime
- Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
Cooking Oil:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Blend ¼ cup honey, zest of 1 lime, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon chili powder, salt and pepper in a medium bowl until your marinade smells fragrant and bright.
- Submerge 1½ pounds chicken thighs or breasts completely in marinade, ensuring each piece gets thoroughly coated. Refrigerate for 2-4 hours to maximize flavor absorption.
- For grill method, heat gas or charcoal grill to 400°F (204°C). Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess liquid.
- Arrange chicken on preheated grill grates. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, rotating once to create perfect crosshatch marks. Your chicken should reach internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For skillet method, heat medium cast-iron pan to medium temperature around 350°F (177°C). Add thin layer of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Sear chicken in single layer, cooking 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown exterior develops and internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken from heat. Let rest 3-4 minutes to redistribute internal juices. Slice against grain and drizzle remaining pan sauce over top before serving.
Notes
- Check chicken thickness to ensure even cooking, using a meat mallet to pound breasts to uniform 1/2-inch thickness.
- Select fresh lime juice over bottled for brighter, more vibrant citrus flavor in the marinade.
- Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 2 hours to prevent the acid from breaking down meat texture.
- For gluten-free option, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg