Name: Tangy Honey Lime Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes); 1 teaspoon lime zest; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon chili powder or smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

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This Tangy Honey Lime Chicken is the perfect balance of sweet, citrusy, and savory. I marinate juicy chicken in a bright mix of honey, lime juice, garlic, and spices, then cook it until perfectly caramelized and golden. Whether I grill it, bake it, or cook it on the stovetop, this dish always turns out flavorful and juicy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s quick, easy, and full of fresh, zesty flavor. The marinade is simple to whisk together with ingredients I usually have on hand, and it adds so much depth to the chicken. It’s great for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or even summer cookouts. I can pair it with rice, salad, or veggies, and it never gets boring.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Honey
Fresh lime juice
Lime zest
Garlic (minced)
Olive oil
Soy sauce
Chili powder or smoked paprika
Salt and pepper
Optional: chopped cilantro for garnish

Directions

I whisk together the honey, lime juice, zest, garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
I pour the marinade over the chicken in a sealable bag or shallow dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours).
To cook, I preheat a grill, skillet, or oven to medium-high heat. I remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess.
I grill or sear the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until cooked through and nicely browned. If baking, I cook at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.
I let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and garnish with fresh cilantro and extra lime if I want.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes 10 minutes to prep, 30 minutes to marinate, and about 15–20 minutes to cook—so I usually have it ready in around 45–50 minutes total.

Variations

Sometimes I add red pepper flakes for more heat or swap lime for lemon for a different citrus flavor. I’ve also made it with bone-in chicken for grilling—just adjust the cook time. For a fun twist, I use the leftover marinade (boiled first) as a glaze during the last few minutes of cooking.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, I warm the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave. It also tastes great cold in salads, wraps, or rice bowls.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, I’ve used both and they work great. Thighs are juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I marinate the chicken a few hours ahead and cook it when I’m ready. The flavors deepen the longer it marinates (up to 4 hours).

What sides go well with honey lime chicken?

I usually serve it with rice, roasted veggies, a fresh salad, or even corn on the cob. It’s super versatile.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Yes, I freeze the chicken in the marinade in a sealed bag. When I’m ready to cook, I thaw it in the fridge overnight and then cook as usual.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not really. It’s more tangy and sweet, but I can add chili flakes or hot sauce to the marinade if I want some heat.

Conclusion

Tangy Honey Lime Chicken is fresh, flavorful, and so easy to make. The zesty marinade caramelizes beautifully when cooked, making every bite juicy and packed with flavor. Whether I’m grilling it for a summer meal or baking it for a cozy dinner, this dish is always a winner in my kitchen.

Tangy Honey Lime Chicken

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Tangy Honey Lime Chicken is a sweet, citrusy, and savory dish made with a bright marinade of honey, lime, garlic, and spices. Juicy and flavorful, it’s perfect for grilling, baking, or stovetop cooking.

Author: Mayaa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes (including marinating)
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling, Baking, or Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
1 teaspoon lime zest
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon chili powder or smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

In a bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Place chicken in a sealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
Preheat grill, skillet, or oven to medium-high heat (or 400°F for baking).
Remove chicken from marinade and discard excess. Grill or sear for 5–7 minutes per side or bake for 20–25 minutes, until cooked through and golden.
Let rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with cilantro and extra lime if desired.

Notes

Marinate for up to 4 hours for deeper flavor—don’t go longer or the citrus may break down the meat.
Use thighs for juicier results or bone-in chicken for grilling (adjust cook time).
Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for more heat.
Boil leftover marinade to use as a glaze, if desired.
Great for meal prep—tastes amazing cold in salads or wraps.