Easy Honey Lime Chicken is a game-changer for busy weeknights. With bold, zesty flavors and just the right touch of sweetness, this one-skillet recipe comes together in under 20 minutes. It features juicy chicken thighs seared to golden perfection, then tossed in a tangy honey lime glaze with a hint of spice. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this dish is perfect for when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Honey Lime Chicken Recipe
This recipe combines the savory tenderness of chicken thighs with a sweet and spicy citrus glaze that’s absolutely irresistible. It requires only one skillet, making cleanup a breeze, and is ready from start to finish in just 20 minutes. The balance of honey, lime, and chili makes it flavorful without being overpowering, and it’s easy to customize to suit your taste. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 680 g)
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil (not extra virgin), divided
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- Zest and juice of 2 limes
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Easy Honey Lime Chicken
- Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and chili powder. Drizzle 1 tbsp of olive oil over them and toss to coat evenly.
- In a large 12-inch stainless steel skillet, warm the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- When the oil begins to shimmer, arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the skillet.
- Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until they’re golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Toss the minced garlic into the same skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—take care not to burn it.
- Add 1/4 cup of water to the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon.
- Mix in the honey, soy sauce, lime zest and juice, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer gently over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Return the chicken to the pan, turning to thoroughly coat it in the glossy glaze. Remove from heat.
- Optionally, sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro and serve immediately with extra sauce spooned over the top.
Helpful Tips
- Avoid burnt garlic: Only cook it for 30 seconds before adding liquid to prevent bitterness.
- Give the chicken space: Don’t overcrowd the skillet—cook in batches if needed for best browning.
- Use a thermometer: Ensure the chicken hits 165°F internally for food safety and juiciness.
- Simmer, don’t boil: Let the sauce reduce gently to preserve its bright flavors.
Substitutions And Variations
- Swap chicken parts: Chicken breasts make a great substitute—just reduce the cook time slightly as they can dry out.
- Alternative sweeteners: Use maple syrup or agave instead of honey.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Add vegetables: Sauté bell peppers or snap peas in the skillet for extra nutrients.
- Adjust the heat: Skip or reduce the red pepper flakes for a milder glaze.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. This dish also freezes well—store portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 412 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 162 mg
- Sodium: 1099 mg
- Potassium: 509 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 36 g
- Vitamin C: 10 mg
- Calcium: 36 mg
- Iron: 2 mg
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Honey Lime Chicken atop fluffy rice, quinoa, or couscous to soak up the vibrant glaze. Complement it with a fresh green salad or some roasted vegetables. Or turn it into wraps with lettuce, avocado, and a touch of sour cream for a handheld option.
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Honey Lime Chicken
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Absolutely! Chicken breasts are a great option—just keep an eye on them as they tend to cook faster and can dry out if overcooked.
Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos.
Can I make this dish ahead? Definitely. Season the chicken and keep it marinated in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
What if I don’t have fresh limes? While fresh limes are ideal, bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch. Don’t skip the zest if you have fresh fruit on hand!
Is this dish spicy? It has a gentle kick. You can dial back the chili powder and red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder version.
Conclusion
Thank you so much for stopping by to try this Easy Honey Lime Chicken recipe! It’s one of those dishes that never fails to impress with its tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor. Plus, the ease of preparation makes it a weeknight winner in any kitchen. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this meal with your loved ones. Wishing you happy cooking adventures and heartfelt thanks for being part of this flavor-loving community!
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Easy Honey Lime Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Easy Honey Lime Chicken is bursting with sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors and ready in just 20 minutes! This one-skillet recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Try it for dinner and enjoy bold taste with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3/4 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp chili powder
2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup honey
2 tbsp soy sauce
Zest and juice of 2 limes
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and chili powder. Drizzle 1 tbsp of olive oil over them and toss to coat evenly.
- In a large 12-inch stainless steel skillet, warm the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- When the oil begins to shimmer, arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the skillet.
- Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until they’re golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Toss the minced garlic into the same skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—take care not to burn it.
- Add 1/4 cup of water to the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon.
- Mix in the honey, soy sauce, lime zest and juice, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer gently over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Return the chicken to the pan, turning to thoroughly coat it in the glossy glaze. Remove from heat.
- Optionally, sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro and serve immediately with extra sauce spooned over the top.
Notes
Use a thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F.
Chicken breasts can be substituted but cook faster.
Adjust spice by reducing chili and red pepper flakes.
Store leftovers in the fridge for 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 412
- Sugar: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Protein: 34g