Description
This garlic honey lime chicken recipe creates incredibly flavorful chicken with a crispy exterior and juicy interior, all coated in a sweet-tangy glaze. Ready in just 30 minutes using one pan, it’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners that don’t compromise on taste.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or 2 large chicken breasts, halved)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1/3 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 medium limes)
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime slices for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat chicken completely dry and season with salt, pepper, and chili powder.
- Prepare sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, and lime zest until smooth.
- Sear chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Add garlic: Add 2 tablespoons butter around chicken. When melted, add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add sauce: Pour honey-lime mixture into pan (not directly on chicken). Add remaining butter and red pepper flakes. Baste chicken with sauce.
- Bake: Transfer skillet to oven and bake 15-20 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
- Rest and serve: Let chicken rest 5 minutes. Garnish with cilantro and lime slices before serving.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in refrigerator up to 4 days. Reheat gently in skillet or microwave.
Substitutions: Can use chicken breasts (reduce cook time to 12-15 minutes). For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil.
Tips: Don’t move chicken during initial sear for best crust. Fresh lime juice is essential for optimal flavor.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared & Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: garlic honey lime chicken, easy chicken recipe, one pan chicken, 30 minute dinner, weeknight chicken, honey lime glaze, crispy chicken thighs