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Tangy Honey Lime Chicken

Zesty Tangy Honey Lime Chicken that’ll Wow Your Taste Buds!

Enjoy this Tangy Honey Lime Chicken, a delightful balance of sweetness, zest, and spices that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinating Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Course Main dishes
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • Grill
  • Meat thermometer
  • Serving plate

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken

  • 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken Choose thighs for juiciness or breasts for leaner options.
  • 1.5 teaspoon kosher salt Enhances flavor and helps tenderize the chicken.
  • 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Adds warmth and depth to the seasoning.

For the Marinade

  • 0.25 cup fresh lime juice About 2–3 limes.
  • 1 tablespoon lime zest Intensifies the tangy lime flavor.
  • 0.33 cup honey Balances the tartness with natural sweetness.
  • 2 tablespoon soy sauce Adds umami; swap for tamari if gluten-free.
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar A dash of acidity.
  • 3 cloves garlic Freshly minced.
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger Optional; provides subtle warmth.
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes Adjust according to your desired heat.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro stems Optional; for added flavor.

For Cooking

  • 2 tablespoon olive oil Essential for pan-searing.
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter Optional; for additional richness.

For Serving

  • cooked jasmine rice, basmati rice, or quinoa The perfect base.
  • 1-2 extra limes Cut into wedges.
  • 2-3 tablespoon fresh cilantro leaves Garnish.
  • 2 green onions Thinly sliced.
  • toasted sesame seeds Optional; for a crunchy topping.

Instructions
 

Step-by-Step Instructions

  • Begin by patting your 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts dry. Season both sides with kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Rub the spices into the chicken thoroughly.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine lime juice, lime zest, honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Add minced garlic, optional ginger, red pepper flakes, and cilantro stems. Whisk until smooth.
  • Place the seasoned chicken in a bag or dish and pour two-thirds of the marinade over it, reserving one-third. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grates. Grill thighs for about 5–7 minutes on each side or breasts for 4–6 minutes until cooked through.
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F. Heat a skillet and add olive oil. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Brush with reserved marinade, then transfer to oven.
  • Pour the reserved marinade into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened. Taste and adjust if necessary.
  • After resting, slice larger pieces against the grain or leave thighs whole. Serve chicken over jasmine rice or quinoa, drizzled with thickened sauce.
  • Garnish with chopped cilantro and green onions. Add toasted sesame seeds if desired, and serve with lime wedges or a salad.

Notes

Marinate the chicken longer for maximum flavor. Adjust spice levels to taste. Serve with generous garnishes for brightness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 6mg
Keyword chicken recipe, Easy Dinner, Grilled Chicken, Healthy Recipe, marinated chicken, Tangy Honey Lime Chicken
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