Name: Chili Lime Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 6-8 thighs); ½ cup (121 g) lime juice, fresh or store-bought; ¼ cup (85 g) honey; 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro; 2 tablespoons garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 tablespoon cumin; 1 tablespoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 28 reviews

If you love vibrant, zesty flavors packed into tender, juicy chicken, you are going to adore this Chili Lime Chicken Recipe. It combines the bright acidity of fresh lime juice with the sweet touch of honey and just the right amount of chili heat to awaken your taste buds. The magic happens when the chicken thighs soak up this flavorful marinade before being seared and baked to perfection, then glazed with a sticky, spicy finish. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, delivering an irresistible dish that’s both easy and impressive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a black pan filled with several pieces of cooked chicken thighs that are golden brown with a slightly crispy texture and some darker grill marks. The chicken pieces have a rich orange glaze that makes them look juicy and flavorful. Bright green lime slices are placed around the chicken, adding a fresh contrast, and some fresh green cilantro leaves are scattered on top for garnish. The pan rests on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and elegant look to the whole scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Chili Lime Chicken Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of ingredients which all play a vital role in crafting bold flavor, tenderness, and the perfect balance of heat and sweetness.

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs: Ideal for staying juicy and absorbing the marinade deeply.
½ cup lime juice: Adds the essential bright citrus tang that defines the dish.
¼ cup honey: Brings a smooth sweetness to counter the heat.
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro: Fresh herbs boost freshness and color.
2 tablespoons minced garlic: Infuses savory depth and aroma.
1 tablespoon chili powder: Provides vibrant warmth without overpowering.
1 tablespoon cumin: Adds a smoky, earthy undertone.
1 tablespoon onion powder: Enhances the savory backbone of the marinade.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances and rounds out all other flavors.
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Kicks up the spice level for those who like some heat.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For perfect searing to lock in juices.

How to Make Chili Lime Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by stirring together lime juice, honey, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, onion powder, kosher salt, and cayenne pepper in a large bowl. This marinade is the heart of the Chili Lime Chicken Recipe — it ensures every bite bursts with flavor. Add the chicken thighs and coat them thoroughly. Cover and pop them in the refrigerator to let those flavors work their magic at least 20 minutes, though a few hours will deepen the taste.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat up vegetable oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium or medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the marinated chicken thighs into the skillet, making sure to reserve the extra marinade. Sear the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Don’t worry if they aren’t fully cooked through yet — this step is about building flavor and texture.

Step 3: Bake to Juicy Perfection

Transfer your skillet straight into the oven preheated to 400°F. Bake the chicken for 8 to 10 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, guaranteeing juicy and perfectly cooked pieces.

Step 4: Make the Sticky Glaze

While the chicken bakes, bring the reserved marinade to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until it thickens into a sticky glaze. This finishing touch takes the Chili Lime Chicken Recipe from tasty to downright addictive.

Step 5: Glaze and Serve

Once the chicken is out of the oven, brush the luscious glaze generously over each piece while warm. The sticky coating adds a brilliant shine and a concentrated burst of spicy-sweet flavor that everyone will love.

How to Serve Chili Lime Chicken Recipe

This image shows a close-up of a metal tray filled with cooked chicken pieces that are golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges. The chicken has a rich, reddish seasoning coating and is layered closely together in the tray. On top, a rusty fork is holding one piece of the chicken, revealing the white, juicy inside. To the background, there is a small container of reddish sauce and a green garnish leaf on the right side. The tray sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or a few lime wedges on the side instantly brightens the presentation and adds a refreshing zing. Sliced green onions or a dash of crumbled queso fresco also make fantastic toppings to elevate the dish even further.

Side Dishes

For a balanced meal, serve this chicken alongside fluffy cilantro-lime rice or creamy mashed potatoes that soak up every bit of that sticky glaze. Roasted vegetables like charred corn or grilled zucchini pair beautifully by adding texture and smoky notes that complement the chili and lime.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the chicken sliced over a vibrant salad with avocado and black beans for a lighter option, or pile it high on soft tortillas with slaw and a drizzle of sour cream for a crave-worthy taco night. This Chili Lime Chicken Recipe is incredibly versatile, so don’t hesitate to get creative and tailor it to your favorite meals.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Chili Lime Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors intensify as it rests, making for delicious next-day meals or quick snacks.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken thighs wrapped tightly or stored in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to enjoy the same tender juiciness.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. To keep that sticky glaze deliciously intact, consider brushing on a little extra marinade before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but keep in mind chicken breasts are leaner and can dry out more quickly. Adjust cooking time accordingly and watch carefully to avoid overcooking. The marinade will still infuse great flavor!

Is this recipe spicy?

The chili powder and cayenne pepper provide a moderate kick, but you can easily adjust the heat by reducing or omitting the cayenne. It’s customizable to your preferred spice level.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

While the recipe calls for a minimum of 20 minutes, you can marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours to let the flavors develop even more deeply. Avoid marinating longer than that to keep the texture tender.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Combine the chicken right before cooking for ultimate freshness.

What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

No worries. Sear the chicken in a regular pan, then transfer the chicken to a baking dish to finish cooking in the oven. Just be sure to reserve the skillet marinade to boil on the stovetop for the glaze.

Final Thoughts

There is something so satisfying about a dish that’s bursting with lively zesty flavors, easy to prepare, and delivers juicy, tender chicken every single time. Give this Chili Lime Chicken Recipe a try the next time you want a meal that feels both comfortingly familiar and excitingly fresh. I promise it will become a beloved staple in your recipe rotation, perfect for sharing with family or impressing friends with your flavorful cooking skills!