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Honey Lime Chicken Recipe

Honey Lime Chicken Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 27 reviews

This Honey Lime Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs seasoned with a flavorful blend of chili powder, garlic, and a tangy-sweet sauce made from honey, lime juice, and soy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish offers a wonderful balance of sweet, spicy, and citrusy flavors that will delight your palate and can be easily garnished with fresh cilantro for added freshness.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (not extra virgin, divided)

For the Sauce

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 limes, juice and zest
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with kosher salt, ground black pepper, and chili powder. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken and toss to ensure the thighs are evenly coated with the seasonings.
  2. Heat the Skillet: Place a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs in a single layer to the hot skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown on the outside and cooked through. Check doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. Remove Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken from the skillet to a plate and set aside, keeping warm.
  5. Sauté Garlic and Deglaze: Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in about ¼ cup of water and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits sticking to the pan, deglazing the skillet.
  6. Prepare the Sauce: To the skillet, add honey, soy sauce, lime juice and zest, and red pepper flakes. Whisk the ingredients together until fully combined.
  7. Thicken the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
  8. Coat Chicken and Serve: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet and coat them well with the sauce. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve warm, spooning any extra sauce from the pan over the chicken.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, increase red pepper flakes according to taste.
  • You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs but reduce cooking time to avoid drying out the meat.
  • Serve with steamed rice or a fresh salad to complement the flavors.
  • Use regular olive oil, not extra virgin, to prevent a bitter taste in the sauce.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Honey Lime Chicken, Chicken Thighs, Honey Sauce, Lime Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe, Weeknight Dinner

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/honey-lime-chicken-recipe/