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Spicy Honey-Lime Chicken Recipe

Spicy Honey-Lime Chicken Recipe

4.8 from 5 reviews

This Spicy Honey-Lime Chicken recipe features tender, marinated chicken breasts grilled to perfection with a sweet, tangy, and spicy marinade. Infused with the zesty flavors of lime, the warmth of chili powder and cayenne, and the natural sweetness of honey, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delicious summer barbecue. Garnished with fresh cilantro, it offers a vibrant and refreshing finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Marinade

  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each breast is thoroughly coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
  3. Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high setting. Alternatively, prepare a grill pan on the stovetop if a grill is unavailable.
  4. Remove excess marinade: Take the chicken out of the marinade, letting any extra liquid drip off. Discard the leftover marinade to avoid contamination.
  5. Grill the chicken: Cook the chicken breasts on the grill for about 6-7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is fully cooked through.
  6. Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moistness.
  7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top before serving for a fresh, bright garnish.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour; for best results, 4-8 hours yields more flavor.
  • If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or regular skillet will work, though grilling imparts the best smoky flavor.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on your preferred spice level.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
  • Leftover cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy chicken, honey lime chicken, grilled chicken, easy dinner, chicken marinade, summer barbecue, cilantro garnish