Description
This spicy honey lime chicken recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweet honey, tangy lime, and customizable heat in just 20 minutes. With a caramelized glaze and juicy, tender chicken, this restaurant-quality dish is perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. The simple marinade creates incredible flavor while keeping the cooking process effortless.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup raw honey
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 large limes)
- 2 tablespoons lime zest
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, lime zest, soy sauce, olive oil, minced ginger, garlic powder, sriracha, salt, and pepper until well combined. Reserve 1/4 cup of marinade in a separate container and refrigerate.
- Marinate the chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Place in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour remaining marinade over chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. The honey will caramelize beautifully.
- Finish with sauce: In the last minute of cooking, brush chicken with reserved marinade for extra flavor and shine. Alternatively, simmer reserved marinade in a small saucepan for 3-4 minutes until thickened for serving sauce.
- Serve: Let chicken rest 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges. Perfect over rice or with your favorite vegetables.
Notes
Cooking Methods: This recipe works with stovetop (15 min), oven at 425°F (20-25 min), grill (6-8 min per side), or air fryer at 380°F (12-15 min).
Heat Level: Adjust spice by using 1 tsp chili powder (mild), 1-2 tbsp sriracha (medium), or add cayenne pepper (hot).
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat gently to prevent drying out.
Substitutions: Can use chicken breasts (reduce cooking time), maple syrup instead of honey, or coconut aminos for gluten-free option.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: spicy honey lime chicken, honey lime chicken recipe, easy honey lime chicken, spicy honey lime chicken thighs, honey lime chicken marinade, quick chicken recipes, weeknight dinner, Asian-inspired chicken, sweet and spicy chicken, caramelized chicken