Grilled Spicy Honey Lime Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Grilled Spicy Honey Lime Chicken is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors that will elevate your grill night. Tender chicken thighs are marinated in a zesty mixture and grilled to juicy perfection. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 2 lb chicken thighs (boneless and skinless)
- 1/3 cup honey (preferably local)
- 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tbsp chili powder (adjust to spice preference)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for marinade)
- 1 tsp salt (use kosher if possible)
- 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped, optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, chili powder, minced garlic, olive oil, and salt until well combined.
- Step 2: Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F).
- Step 4: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off, and place the thighs on the grill.
- Step 5: Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until charred and the juices run clear.
- Step 6: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño to the marinade.
- Use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat; just reduce grilling time slightly.
- Marinate the chicken overnight for even deeper flavor.
- Serve with a side of grilled veggies or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Storage
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the grill to keep it juicy. This chicken does not freeze well as it can dry out.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made lime juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, but you can use bottled lime juice in a pinch. Just be mindful of the acidity and adjust seasoning as needed.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F and the juices run clear. Cooking for 6-7 minutes per side on medium-high heat usually achieves this.
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Grilled Spicy Honey Lime Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 44 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Grilled Spicy Honey Lime Chicken is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, making it an ideal dish for your grill night. Marinated in a zesty blend of honey, lime juice, chili powder, and garlic, then grilled to perfection, the boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicy, flavorful, and tender. Garnished with fresh cilantro, this recipe brings a vibrant and delicious twist to classic grilled chicken.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lb chicken thighs (boneless and skinless)
Marinade
- 1/3 cup honey (preferably local)
- 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tbsp chili powder (adjust to spice preference)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt (kosher preferred)
- 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, chili powder, minced garlic, olive oil, and salt until well combined to create the flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs into a large zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, approximately 375°F, to ensure it’s ready for cooking the chicken evenly and developing a nice char.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Place the chicken thighs on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until nicely charred and the internal juices run clear. This ensures the chicken is cooked thoroughly and stays juicy.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes off the heat to retain its juices. Before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of fresh flavor.
Notes
- Adjust chili powder to your preferred spice level for milder or spicier chicken.
- Marinate the chicken up to 4 hours for deeper flavor penetration but not longer to avoid meat texture breakdown.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken in a grill pan on the stovetop.
- Letting the chicken rest after grilling helps keep it tender and juicy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Grilled chicken, spicy chicken, honey lime chicken, summer grilling, easy chicken recipe, boneless chicken thighs
