Sweet & Tangy Honey Lime Chicken Recipe for Zesty Dinners

Sizzling aromas dance through the kitchen with this mouthwatering honey lime chicken recipe that promises a burst of tantalizing flavors.

The combination of sweet honey and zesty lime creates a marinade that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.

Each tender bite delivers a perfect balance of citrusy brightness and rich sweetness.

Marinating the chicken allows the robust flavors to penetrate deeply, ensuring maximum taste in every single morsel.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to craft a dish that will impress even the most discerning palates.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this quick and easy culinary sensation.

Prepare to fall in love with a chicken recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 6

Spicy Honey Lime Chicken Ingredient Rundown

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Tender, juicy meat that absorbs marinades beautifully and stays moist during cooking, with darker meat offering richer flavor compared to chicken breasts.

• Honey, Maple Syrup: Natural sweeteners that caramelize and create a glossy, sticky coating with deep, complex sweetness.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami depth, saltiness, and creates gorgeous brown color in the sauce.
• Sriracha Sauce: Delivers vibrant heat and tangy complexity to elevate the dish's spice profile.
• Ginger: Brings sharp, zesty warmth with subtle citrusy undertones that complement the lime.
• Garlic: Provides robust, pungent base notes that intensify overall savory character.
• Lime Zest, Lime Juice: Introduces bright, citrusy freshness that cuts through richness and adds zingy brightness.

• Vegetable Oil: Helps prevent sticking and enables even, smooth searing of chicken.
• Cornstarch: Optional thickening agent that creates silky, clingy sauce texture.
• Kosher Salt: Fundamental seasoning that amplifies and balances all other flavor components.
• Cilantro, Parsley: Fresh herbs that add final burst of color, aroma, and light herbal notes.

Tools to Cook Spicy Honey Lime Chicken Easily

• Food Processor or Whisk: Essential for blending marinade ingredients smoothly and quickly.
• Sealed Plastic Bag: Perfect for marinating chicken thoroughly and evenly.
• Grill or Grill Pan: Key for achieving those beautiful char marks and smoky flavor.
• Wooden or Metal Skewers: Necessary for easy chicken grilling and attractive presentation.
• Microwave: Quick tool for thickening the reserved marinade with cornstarch.
• Cutting Board: Helpful for preparing chicken and chopping garnishes.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for trimming chicken and slicing lime wedges.
• Tongs: Great for safely turning and handling chicken on the grill.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise for measuring marinade ingredients accurately.

Steps for Cooking Spicy Honey Lime Chicken

• Flavor Fusion Preparation

Combine zesty ingredients in a blender, creating a vibrant marinade that will transform ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering sensation. Split the liquid magic, saving half for a glossy finish later.

• Chicken Relaxation Time

Allow chicken to luxuriate in the marinade’s embrace, chilling in the refrigerator and absorbing all those incredible flavors. The longer it rests, the more delicious it becomes.

• Glaze Creation

Transform the reserved marinade into a silky, glossy coating by gently heating and thickening. This magical sauce will elevate your chicken from good to absolutely irresistible.

• Grill Master Setup

Fire up the grill to a perfect medium-high temperature. If using wooden skewers, give them a quick bath to prevent any burning adventures.

• Cooking Performance

Thread marinated chicken onto skewers and place them on the hot grill. Dance them around, brushing with the prepared glaze, until they’re perfectly cooked and gleaming with flavor.

• Final Flourish

Let the chicken take a brief rest, then showcase your culinary masterpiece. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve with zesty lime wedges for an extra burst of excitement.

Tips for Heat and Sweet Balance in Honey Lime Chicken

• Amp up the flavor by adding a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of grated ginger to the marinade for extra depth and complexity.
• Adjust the heat by varying the amount of chili flakes or using different types of hot peppers like jalapeño or serrano for a personalized kick.
• Don't have a grill? Bake the skewers in a preheated 400°F oven for 15-20 minutes or use a grill pan on the stovetop for equally delicious results.
• Transform extra chicken into a zesty salad topper, wrap filling, or quick taco protein by chopping and mixing with fresh herbs and a drizzle of remaining glaze.
• Swap chicken for firm tofu or tempeh, using the same marinating and grilling technique for a plant-based version that doesn't compromise on flavor.

Serve Spicy Chicken with Rice or Slaw

• Tropical Fiesta Plate: Pair the spicy honey lime chicken with coconut rice and grilled pineapple slices for a vibrant, island-inspired meal that brings zesty flavors to your table.
• Fresh Garden Companions: Serve alongside a crisp cucumber and avocado salad dressed with extra lime juice to balance the chicken's spicy-sweet profile and add refreshing contrast.
• Weekend Backyard Spread: Create a casual gathering with street corn, black beans, and warm tortillas, letting guests build their own chicken tacos with the delicious glazed meat.
• Picnic Perfect Platter: Pack the grilled chicken in a portable container with mixed greens, quinoa, and extra glaze on the side for a delightful outdoor lunch that's easy to transport and enjoy.

Store Honey Lime Chicken Without Drying Out

• Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Slice chicken into uniform pieces before marinating to ensure even flavor absorption and quick cooking. This technique saves time and guarantees consistent taste in every bite.
• Refrigeration Magic: Store leftover chicken in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. Keep the meat separate from sauces to maintain crispness and prevent soggy texture during reheating.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap marinated or cooked chicken tightly in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating gently to maintain moisture.
• Quick Reheat Technique: Warm chicken in oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Brush with reserved glaze right before serving to refresh flavors and add moisture. Sprinkle fresh herbs for an instant flavor boost.

Succulent Honey Lime Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent honey lime chicken promises a flavor explosion from Mexican-inspired cuisine. Zesty marinade and quick grilling create a perfect weeknight dinner that delivers complex, mouthwatering notes you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

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• 2.5 lbs (1.13 kg) boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces and trimmed
• 6 tbsps honey or maple syrup
• 3 tbsps soy sauce (low sodium is better)
• 3 tbsps fresh lime juice
• 1.5 tbsps Sriracha sauce
• 1.5 tbsps fresh ginger, grated
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1.25 tsps kosher salt
• 1 tsp lime zest
• 0.5 tsp cornstarch (optional for thickening)
• Chopped cilantro or parsley
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Blend all marinade ingredients until smooth, setting aside half the mixture for glazing. Ensure silky, uniform consistency.
2. Marination: Submerge chicken in reserved marinade within a sealed container. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 12 hours, allowing flavor penetration. For extended marination, adjust lime zest to prevent protein breakdown.
3. Glaze Creation: Whisk remaining marinade with cornstarch, heating in microwave until thickened and glossy. This will create a rich, clingy coating for the chicken.
4. Grill Setup: Preheat outdoor grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F). Soak wooden skewers in water to prevent charring during cooking.
5. Grilling Process: Thread marinated chicken onto prepared skewers. Grill while rotating and generously brushing with glaze, cooking until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature and develops caramelized exterior with beautiful char marks.
6. Serving: Rest grilled chicken for 5 minutes to redistribute internal juices. Plate with additional glaze drizzle, garnishing with fresh chopped herbs and lime wedges for vibrant presentation and zesty flavor enhancement.

Notes

• Marinate Smartly: Reserve half the marinade before adding raw chicken to use as a safe, flavor-packed glaze without contamination risks.
• Prevent Skewer Burning: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to stop them from catching fire during grilling.
• Optimize Lime Intensity: For longer marination times, reduce lime juice and increase zest to maintain flavor without breaking down meat proteins.
• Rest and Redistribute: Allow grilled chicken to rest 5 minutes after cooking, letting internal juices spread evenly for maximum tenderness and flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg