Description
These grilled honey lime chicken thighs are perfectly marinated in a sweet and tangy honey lime marinade that creates incredibly juicy, flavorful chicken with a beautiful caramelized exterior. The 30-minute marinade infuses the meat with bright citrus and honey flavors, while the high fat content of chicken thighs ensures they stay moist and tender on the grill. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 2.5–3 pounds)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/3 cup fresh lime juice (about 3–4 large limes)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice and honey until completely combined. Add olive oil gradually while whisking. Stir in minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, cilantro, and lime zest.
- Season and marinate chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place in a large resealable bag and pour marinade over chicken. Massage to coat evenly. Marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 24 hours refrigerated.
- Preheat grill: Heat grill to medium-high (375-400°F). Clean and oil grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill for 6-7 minutes per side without moving, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and exterior is golden-brown and caramelized.
- Rest and serve: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh lime wedges and cilantro if desired.
Notes
For best results, use fresh lime juice rather than bottled. Chicken thighs are preferred over breasts due to their higher fat content and more forgiving cooking characteristics. If using chicken breasts, reduce cooking time to 5-6 minutes per side and monitor temperature carefully. The honey in the marinade will caramelize quickly, so watch for excessive browning and move to cooler part of grill if needed. This recipe doubles easily for meal prep and leftovers keep well for 3-4 days refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: grilled honey lime chicken thighs, honey lime chicken marinade, grilled chicken thighs recipe, easy chicken marinade, honey lime chicken, juicy grilled chicken, meal prep chicken, summer grilling recipes, citrus chicken marinade, sweet and tangy chicken