Description
This honey lime chicken recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors in just 25 minutes! With a simple marinade made from pantry staples, you’ll have juicy, flavorful chicken that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining. This recipe works beautifully whether you pan-sear, grill, or bake it.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2–3 limes)
- 2 tablespoons lime zest
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- 1–2 teaspoons sriracha (optional, for spicy version)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Make the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, fresh lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the chicken: Place chicken in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade (reserve marinade) and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Create the glaze: Pour reserved marinade into the pan during the last 2 minutes of cooking to create a beautiful glaze.
- Rest and serve: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
Notes
Storage: Store in refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Variations: Add sriracha for spicy version, or substitute orange juice for different citrus flavor.
Cooking methods: Can be grilled, baked at 425°F for 18-22 minutes, or air fried at 380°F for 12-15 minutes.
Pro tip: Use fresh lime juice for best flavor and marinate longer for deeper taste.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: honey lime chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, healthy chicken marinade, quick chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, meal prep chicken