Honey Lime Chicken Thighs

$- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon lime zest - 1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste The chicken thighs are the star here. They stay juicy and flavorful. Honey adds sweetness, while lime juice brings the zing. Garlic gives a nice depth, and soy sauce adds umami. Ground cumin and smoked paprika round out the flavor, making it truly standout. - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional) Adding fresh cilantro on top makes the dish pop. The color brightens the plate. It also adds a fresh note that balances the sweet and savory flavors. - Mixing bowl - Whisk - Large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish - Ovenproof skillet - Meat thermometer Using the right tools helps you succeed. A meat thermometer ensures the chicken is safe to eat. The mixing bowl and whisk make preparing the marinade quick and easy. An ovenproof skillet allows for a seamless transition from stovetop to oven. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, gather your ingredients. Grab a small bowl. Mix together 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon lime zest, and 1 teaspoon soy sauce. Add 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin and 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Whisk everything until it blends well. This marinade is key for flavor. Next, take 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Place them in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For the best taste, marinate for up to 2 hours. After marinating, it’s time to cook. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready. Then, take the chicken out of the marinade. Set the marinade aside for later use. In a large, ovenproof skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear for about 5-7 minutes. You want the skin to turn golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken gently to prevent splattering. Pour the reserved marinade evenly over the chicken. This adds great flavor to the underside. Now, it’s time to bake. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes. You want it to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat. After baking, remove the skillet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making the meat juicy. Your Honey Lime Chicken Thighs are now ready to enjoy! To make the best marinade, mix honey, lime juice, garlic, lime zest, soy sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk it well. The balance of sweet and tart gives your chicken a great taste. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, let it sit for up to 2 hours. This step is key for juicy, flavorful chicken. For crispy skin, start by searing the chicken in a hot skillet. Heat oil over medium-high heat. Place the chicken skin-side down and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes. This browns the skin nicely. Do not rush this step! When you flip it over, the skin should be golden brown and crispy. Serve the chicken on a large platter. Garnish it with freshly chopped cilantro and lime wedges. Drizzle some pan drippings over the chicken for added flavor. This not only makes it look nice but also adds a burst of taste. Pair it with rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy every bite! Pro Tips Marination Time: For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This will enhance the taste and tenderness of the meat. Searing Technique: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. A proper sear will create a crispy skin and lock in juices for a more flavorful dish. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Resting Period: Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful when you cut into it. {{image_4}} You can cook honey lime chicken thighs on a grill or in the oven. Grilling gives it a smoky flavor. The high heat adds a nice char to the skin. If you choose the grill, preheat it to medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The chicken should reach 165°F. Baking in the oven keeps the meat juicy. It also makes cleanup easy. Both methods work well, so pick one that suits you. If you want to switch things up, try different proteins. Chicken thighs are great, but you can use chicken breasts too. They will cook faster, so adjust your time. You can also use pork chops for a different taste. Pork pairs well with honey and lime too. If you are feeling adventurous, use shrimp. Shrimp cooks quickly and absorbs the marinade well. Just marinate for about 15-20 minutes. This will give you a new twist on the dish. You can experiment with sauces and flavors. Try using maple syrup instead of honey for a rich taste. You can also add chili flakes for heat. If you like a citrus kick, add orange juice instead of lime. Soy sauce can be swapped for tamari for a gluten-free option. Mix in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique flavor. These changes can turn the dish into something new and exciting. Don't be afraid to get creative! After you enjoy your Honey Lime Chicken Thighs, store any leftovers right away. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well. This helps keep the chicken fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat your chicken, use the oven for the best results. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until hot. You can also use a microwave if you're short on time. Just place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes. Check it often to avoid overcooking. If you have more leftovers, freezing is a great option. Wrap each piece of chicken in plastic wrap. Then place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can keep it frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it like I mentioned above for the best flavor. You should marinate the chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, let them sit for up to 2 hours. This time allows the chicken to soak up the sweet and tangy marinade. If you’re short on time, even a quick 30-minute soak will work. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They cook faster than bone-in thighs. This means you may need to reduce the baking time by about 10 minutes. Check for that perfect golden color and juicy texture. Several side dishes work well with Honey Lime Chicken Thighs. Here are some tasty ideas: - Steamed rice - Quinoa salad - Roasted vegetables - Fresh coleslaw - Corn on the cob These sides balance the rich flavors of the chicken and add freshness to your meal. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, look for clear juices when you cut into it. No pink meat means it’s ready to enjoy! In this post, we explored the key ingredients and tools for Honey Lime Chicken Thighs. I shared step-by-step instructions, plus tips for perfecting the dish. We discussed different cooking methods and variations, along with storage advice. Ultimately, making this recipe can greatly enhance your meal options. With simple changes, you can enjoy this dish in many ways. You’ll impress anyone who shares a meal with you. Enjoy your cooking journey!$

Honey Lime Chicken Thighs

A flavorful dish featuring chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and tangy honey lime sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
0.25 cup honey
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon lime zest
1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce
0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt and pepper
optional fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

In a small mixing bowl, combine the honey, freshly squeezed lime juice, minced garlic, lime zest, soy sauce, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until well-blended to create a flavorful marinade.
In a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, place the chicken thighs. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, making sure each thigh is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or for optimal flavor, up to 2 hours.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready to go when you’re done preparing the chicken.
Once marinated, take the chicken thighs out of the marinade, setting the marinade aside for later use.
In a large, ovenproof skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Carefully place the chicken thighs in the skillet, skin-side down, and sear them for 5-7 minutes until the skin turns golden brown and crispy.
Once the skin is browned, gently flip the chicken thighs over. Pour the reserved marinade evenly over the chicken, allowing it to flavor the underside as well.
Transfer the skillet directly to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, achieving an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
After baking, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes to let the juices redistribute before serving.

Notes

Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for added flavor and presentation.

Keyword chicken, honey, lime, marinade