Description
This Honey Lime Chicken recipe features tender boneless skinless chicken thighs marinated in a zesty mixture of fresh lime juice, honey, garlic, and smoked paprika. Grilled to perfection, the chicken is juicy and flavorful with a slight smoky kick from paprika and a hint of heat from crushed red pepper flakes, making it perfect for a simple and delicious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs
Marinade
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, honey, minced garlic, avocado or olive oil, smoked paprika, ground cumin, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper flakes until fully combined.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld, or up to 24 hours for a deeper marinade.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat to ensure a good sear and proper cooking temperature for the chicken thighs.
- Grill Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the hot grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is cooked through and juicy.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and flavorful chicken ready to serve.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour but no longer than 24 hours.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
- If a grill or grill pan is not available, you can cook the chicken on a stovetop skillet over medium-high heat.
- Adjust honey amount for sweetness preference.
- Serve with rice, salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American