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This grilled honey lime cilantro chicken is made for summer nights. It’s fresh, a little sweet, a little tangy, and packed with flavor. I make this on repeat when I need something easy that still feels like a real dinner.
Why This Recipe Belongs on Repeat
- Always Hits The Spot: The marinade does all the work. Just a quick mix, a little time to soak, and you’ve got juicy, flavorful chicken every time.
- Amazing Fresh Flavor: It’s fresh, flavorful, and perfectly balanced with sweet honey, bright lime, and herby cilantro.
- So Versatile! Slice it over rice bowls, tuck it into tacos, pile it onto salads, or serve it straight off the grill with your favorite sides.
A Reader’s Review
I’ve made this recipe multiple times for family gatherings. I’ve been asked for this recipe by 4 people because it is so so good. I literally follow it to the T. No adjustments needed. Thanks for the recipe!!
Lori
Honey Lime Chicken Thighs Ingredients
- Add some spice! Add diced jalapenos or ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
- Lime Juice: I prefer fresh lime juice for the best flavor, but you can use bottled if you’d like!
- Lime Zest: Adding 1-2 teaspoons of fresh lime zest will really punch up the lime flavor of the marinade.
- Substitute for Soy Sauce: You may use coconut aminos or even Worcestershire sauce.
- If using chicken breasts: Pound the chicken until it is an even thickness, or butterflying the breasts in two for more even cooking.
- For bone-in chicken thighs: Sear skin-side down for 4-5 minutes, then flip and grill over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Grilled Honey Lime Cilantro Chicken Recipe
This grilled honey lime cilantro chicken recipe is one of those easy dinners that feels a little special. I love serving it with cilantro lime rice, grilled corn, and some simple guacamole.
- Make Marinade: Combine lime juice, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, cilantro, salt, and black pepper in a large ziplock bag or large bowl. Reserve ¼ cup of the marinade if you want sauce for your chicken after it has cooked. *Never use marinade that raw chicken has been in.
- Marinate: Add skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring all of the chicken is coated, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight.
- Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken on each side for about 3-4 minutes, until it reaches an internal temperature of 155°F and is no longer pink. Tent with foil and let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Alyssa’s Pro Tip
Marinating Time: The lime and soy sauce help tenderize the chicken and lock in flavor. Marinate at least 3 hours, or up to 24 hours for the best results.
Alternative Cooking Instructions
- In the Oven:
- Add: Add marinated chicken to a baking dish.
- Bake: Bake uncovered at 375° for 25-30 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Rest: Let the chicken rest before serving.
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Combine ¼ cup fresh lime juice, ½ cup honey, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, ½ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper in a large ziplock bag or large bowl.
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Add 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring all of the chicken is coated. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight.
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Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken on each side for about 3-4 minutes, until it reaches an internal temeprature of 155 degrees Fahrenheit and is no longer pink.
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Tent with foil and let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheat: Microwave in 30 second intervals until warmed through.
- Freezer: Freeze chicken in the marinade for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before grilling. Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Make Ahead: You can marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Store in an airtight container or ziplock bag. Avoid stainless steel and other metal containers.
Calories: 295kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 30gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 144mgSodium: 666mgPotassium: 422mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 132IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 21mgIron: 2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
My Favorite Grilling Recipes
From grilling fruits, vegetables to meats, there is a recipe for that! Whether it’s for a backyard BBQ with friends or family, or a big picnic, I’ve got you covered.
This story originally appeared on TheRecipeCritic
