Name: Crispy Chicken With Lime Butter
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on); 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 2–3 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed; ½ cup chicken broth; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 2 teaspoons honey (or maple syrup); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Optional: lime wedges, fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

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Short Description

This dish features golden, crispy chicken thighs finished with a tangy and buttery lime sauce—an elegant and flavorful weeknight meal with just a few simple steps.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy chicken skin with juicy, succulent meat
Bright, citrusy lime butter sauce gives fresh sweetness
Elegant yet simple, made in one skillet
Balanced flavors: savory, sweet, tangy, and buttery
Perfect comfort food with a gourmet twist

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2–3 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
½ cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 teaspoons honey (or maple syrup)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional: lime wedges, fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Directions

Sprinkle both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, and let sit for 10 minutes. Pat them dry thoroughly with another paper towel to remove moisture.
Heat a skillet over medium heat. When hot, add vegetable oil and coat the pan. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook undisturbed for 20 to 25 minutes until deeply golden and crispy. Reduce heat to medium‑low if browning too quickly.
Flip the chicken and continue cooking until the thighs are fully cooked through. In the last few minutes, add the smashed garlic cloves to the cooler side of the pan to toast lightly without burning. Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving dish.
Pour off all but about 3 tablespoons of fat from the pan. Stir in the chicken broth, lime juice, and honey, then increase heat to high. Simmer and stir until the liquid reduces by about half (around 3 minutes).
Add the butter, stirring until it melts and incorporates into a glossy sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Return the chicken to the skillet or plate and pour the lime butter sauce over it. Garnish with lime wedges and chopped fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.

Servings And Timing

Servings: Serves 4
Prep Time: ~10 minutes (including resting time)
Cook Time: ~30 minutes
Total Time: ~40 minutes

Variations

Citrus twist: Use lemon or orange juice instead of lime for a different citrus note.
Spicy hint: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Herb flourish: Stir fresh thyme or basil into the sauce before serving.
Skinless option: Remove skin if preferred, though you’ll lose some crisp texture.
Vegetable side: Sauté green beans or asparagus in the pan drippings after the chicken is removed.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm chicken in the oven or air fryer to preserve crisp skin; reheat sauce gently on the stovetop. Spoon the sauce over before serving for best texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes—you’ll need to adjust cooking times. Pan‑sear each side and finish in the oven or pan until internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C).

2. How do I get the chicken skin extra crispy?

Ensure the chicken is thoroughly dried before cooking and avoid moving it during the initial sear.

3. Can I use vegetable or olive oil instead of chicken broth in the sauce?

Chicken broth provides depth; for vegan alternatives, use vegetable broth or water with a pinch of bouillon.

4. How to make the sauce thicker?

Continue simmering until it reduces more, or whisk in a small slurry of cornstarch (¼ teaspoon) dissolved in water.

5. Is maple syrup a good substitute for honey?

Absolutely—maple syrup works well and adds a subtly different sweetness that pairs nicely with lime.

6. Can I prep this ahead for meal prep?

Yes—cook chicken ahead and reheat before serving. Store sauce separately and reheat just before plating.

7. How do I avoid burning the garlic?

Keep garlic on a cooler side of the pan and add it in during the last few minutes of cooking.

8. Can this be made dairy-free?

Use vegan butter or omit the butter and finish with olive oil—the sauce will be less rich but still flavorful.

9. Should I baste the chicken during cooking?

Not necessary—crisper results come from leaving the chicken undisturbed during the initial searing stage.

10. Can I use regular butter instead of unsalted?

Yes—just reduce added salt in the seasoning and sauce to balance.

Conclusion

Crispy Chicken With Lime Butter is a bright, flavorful dish that pairs succulent, golden chicken with silky tangy sauce—elegant enough for guests yet easy enough for weeknight meals. The combination of citrus, honey, and butter creates a harmony of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors perfect for serving over rice, alongside roasted veggies, or with crusty bread.

Maggie

Crispy Chicken With Lime Butter