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Spicy Honey Lime Chicken Thighs Recipe

Spicy Honey Lime Chicken Thighs

Juicy boneless chicken thighs are marinated in a sweet, spicy, garlicky honey-lime sauce and cooked until beautifully browned. Fresh cilantro and lime wedges add a bright finish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 8 thighs, about 1½–2 lb total Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Honey Lime Marinade
  • ¼ cup Honey
  • 3 tablespoons Fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon Finely grated lime zest
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 cloves, minced Garlic
  • 1–2 tablespoons Sriracha or other hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon Ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
For Serving
  • As needed Chopped cilantro and lime wedges

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Whisk the honey, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, sriracha, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Reserve about ¼ cup of the mixture for basting or serving, keeping it separate from the raw chicken.
  2. Add the chicken thighs to the remaining marinade and turn until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium or medium-high heat, adding a small amount of oil if needed. Remove excess marinade from the chicken so the honey does not scorch in the pan.
  4. Cook the chicken thighs for about 5–8 minutes per side, turning as necessary, until browned and cooked through. Brush with the reserved sauce during the final few minutes of cooking.
  5. Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges, rice, roasted vegetables, or salad.

Notes

Use medium heat because honey browns quickly. Chicken is safe at 165°F / 74°C; many cooks prefer 175–185°F for a more tender thigh texture. Do not reuse marinade that touched raw chicken unless it is boiled first. For an oven option, bake in a lightly oiled dish at 425°F / 220°C for approximately 20–25 minutes, then broil briefly if desired while watching closely.