This recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. The honey caramelizes beautifully on the grill, creating a lightly charred exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. The lime juice adds freshness and balance, preventing the sweetness from overpowering the dish.
It’s versatile enough to serve with rice, salads, tacos, or grilled vegetables. The marinade comes together quickly with simple pantry ingredients, and the grilling process is fast and straightforward. Plus, it works well with both chicken breasts and thighs.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs honey fresh lime juice lime zest olive oil garlic cloves, minced soy sauce salt black pepper chili flakes (optional) fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Directions
In a bowl, whisk together honey, fresh lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using.
Place the chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Discard the used marinade.
Grill the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove from the grill and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and extra lime wedges if desired. Serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes Marinating time: 30 minutes to 4 hours Cooking time: 12 to 15 minutes Total time: Approximately 55 minutes (including minimum marinating time)
Variations
For a spicy twist, add a finely chopped jalapeño or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the marinade.
To make it smoky, include a pinch of smoked paprika or grill over charcoal for deeper flavor.
You can also bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes if grilling isn’t an option.
For a tropical variation, add a splash of orange juice or pineapple juice to the marinade.
Slice the grilled chicken and use it in tacos, wraps, grain bowls, or salads for a versatile meal option.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. You can also microwave in short intervals, covered, until heated through.
Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lime juice can work in a pinch.
Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Yes, but avoid marinating longer than 24 hours, as the acidity from the lime can affect the texture.
What cut of chicken works best?
Both chicken breasts and thighs work well. Thighs tend to stay juicier on the grill.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
Preheat the grill properly and oil the grates before adding the chicken.
Can I cook this on a stovetop grill pan?
Yes, a grill pan over medium-high heat works well if an outdoor grill isn’t available.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
What sides pair well with this dish?
It pairs beautifully with cilantro rice, grilled vegetables, corn salad, or a fresh green salad.
Can I use this marinade for other proteins?
Yes, it works well with shrimp, pork chops, or even tofu.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just scale up the ingredients proportionally and grill in batches if needed.
Conclusion
Grilled Honey Lime Chicken is a simple yet vibrant dish that brings together sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or preparing an easy weeknight meal, this juicy grilled chicken is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Grilled Honey Lime Chicken is a juicy, flavor-packed dish featuring the perfect balance of sweet honey and tangy fresh lime. This Grilled Honey Lime Chicken recipe creates tender, caramelized chicken with a lightly charred exterior and bright citrus finish. Ideal for summer grilling, quick weeknight dinners, or healthy meal prep, this easy honey lime chicken is versatile, family-friendly, and full of bold, fresh flavor.
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
¼ cup honey
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon lime zest
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, fresh lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using.
Place chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
Preheat grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard used marinade.
Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with fresh lime wedges.
Notes
Do not marinate longer than 24 hours, as the lime juice may affect texture.For extra caramelization, brush lightly with fresh marinade during the first few minutes of grilling (do not reuse raw marinade).To bake instead, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free version.Chicken thighs remain juicier, while breasts offer a leaner option.
