Honey Lime Chicken: The Ultimate Juicy & Flavorful Recipe

Introduction

Honey Lime Chicken is a flavorful and juicy dish that combines sweet honey with zesty lime for an irresistible taste. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or a casual get-together, offering a delicious balance of savory and fresh flavors.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh lime wedges (for serving)
• Chopped cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is fully coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
3. Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or heat a skillet on medium with a little olive oil.
4. Step 4: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Grill or cook the chicken in the skillet for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Step 5: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain its juiciness.
6. Step 6: Slice the chicken, then serve with fresh lime wedges and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for added brightness.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
• Swap out fresh lime juice with lemon juice if limes are unavailable.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade for a subtle spicy kick.
• Serve with steamed rice or a fresh salad to make it a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to avoid drying out the meat. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but keeps well for quick lunches or dinners.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and stay juicy. Adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is it necessary to use soy sauce in the marinade?

Soy sauce adds a savory depth and saltiness, but you can substitute with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option or omit it if preferred.

Honey Lime Chicken: The Ultimate Juicy & Flavorful Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 97 reviews

This Honey Lime Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a sweet and tangy blend of honey, fresh lime juice, soy sauce, and aromatic spices. Grilled or skillet-cooked to perfection, it’s a flavorful and zesty dish garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Marinade

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Serving

• Fresh lime wedges
• Chopped cilantro

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or longer for a more intense flavor.
3. Preheat the Grill or Skillet: If using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat. If using a skillet, add a small amount of olive oil and heat on medium.
4. Cook the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Grill or cook in the skillet for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 5 minutes to ensure juiciness.
6. Serve: Slice the chicken and serve with lime wedges and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a fresh touch.

Notes

• Marinating the chicken longer, up to 2 hours, will deepen the flavor.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken at 165°F (75°C).
• You can substitute lime juice with lemon juice if preferred.
• This recipe works well with bone-in chicken breasts; just increase cooking time accordingly.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Keywords: Honey Lime Chicken, Grilled Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe, Honey Chicken, Lime Chicken, Quick Dinner, Healthy Chicken