Honey Lime Grilled Chicken Thighs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Honey Lime Grilled Chicken Thighs are a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors, making them an irresistible choice for any grilled meal. The marinade, made with honey, lime juice, garlic, and spices, infuses the chicken with a unique depth of flavor. Grilled to perfection, the chicken becomes wonderfully juicy and tender, with a beautifully caramelized exterior. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a casual get-together, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table. Plus, it’s super easy to make and requires minimal prep time, so you can enjoy a mouthwatering meal without any hassle.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1/2 teaspoon cumin

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

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

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken Thighs: Place the chicken thighs on a clean cutting board. Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs if necessary. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

2. Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine the honey, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Whisk everything together until smooth and fully combined.

3. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1-2 hours for more flavor absorption.

4. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high (375°F to 400°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

5. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Place the chicken on the preheated grill, skin-side down if applicable. Grill for 5-7 minutes on the first side, without moving the chicken too much.

6. Flip and Grill: Flip the chicken over and continue grilling for another 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, measured with a meat thermometer.

7. Rest the Chicken: Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

8. Serve: Serve the honey lime grilled chicken thighs hot with your favorite side dishes.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Rest Time: 5 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Servings: 4

Variations

• Add Spice: For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.

• Herb Twist: Try adding fresh herbs like cilantro or thyme to the marinade for an added layer of flavor.

• Lemon Substitute: If lime is not available, you can substitute lemon juice for a slightly different citrus twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover chicken thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken thighs in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they cook through. Bone-in thighs will take a little longer to grill.

2. How long can I marinate the chicken for?

You can marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, marinate for 1-2 hours.

3. Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the marinade ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before using it.

4. Can I cook this in the oven instead of grilling?

Yes, you can bake the chicken thighs at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

5. Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?

You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or drumsticks, but cooking times will vary.

6. Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken before grilling. Place the chicken and marinade in a resealable freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before grilling.

7. How can I ensure the chicken is juicy when grilled?

Make sure not to overcook the chicken. Using a meat thermometer will help you reach the ideal 165°F internal temperature. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling to retain the juices.

8. Can I grill this on a gas or charcoal grill?

Both types of grills work well for this recipe. Adjust the heat levels to medium-high for optimal grilling results.

9. How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?

Lightly oil the grill grates before grilling. You can use a paper towel dipped in olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

10. What are some good side dishes to serve with honey lime grilled chicken?

Pair the chicken with fresh salads, grilled vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Honey Lime Grilled Chicken Thighs are a fantastic and flavorful dish that brings together the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky elements. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend barbecues. Whether you’re grilling for a family meal or serving guests, this juicy chicken is sure to be a hit. Enjoy!