Honey Lime Grilled Chicken Recipe

This delicious Honey Lime Grilled Chicken recipe brings together the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, making it a fantastic choice for any family meal. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, relying on a simple marinade that tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with bright, zesty notes.

Whether you’re a grilling novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe is designed to deliver juicy, flavorful chicken every time. It’s a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides, making dinner planning a breeze on busy weeknights or for casual weekend gatherings.

Honey Lime Grilled Chicken

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• Total Time: 52 minutes to 4 hours 28 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Honey Lime Grilled Chicken recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, making it an excellent choice for any meal. It’s easy to prepare with a simple marinade that tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with bright, zesty notes. This versatile dish pairs well with various sides and is suitable for both grilling novices and seasoned cooks, delivering juicy, flavorful chicken every time.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3–4 breasts)

1/2 cup honey

1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from about 2–3 limes)

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon lime zest

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: If your chicken breasts are very thick, pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Place chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin.

2. Whisk the Marinade Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the honey, fresh lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, lime zest, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the ingredients are well combined and the honey is fully dissolved.

3. Marinate the Chicken: Place the prepared chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the honey lime marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally for 2-4 hours. Do not marinate for more than 4 hours.

4. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat (about 400 F (200 C)). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. You can do this by folding a paper towel, dipping it in a little oil, and carefully wiping it over the hot grates using tongs.

5. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off (discard the remaining marinade). Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Cook for 6-9 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 F (74 C) when measured with a meat thermometer at the thickest part of the breast.

6. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the grilled chicken to a cutting board. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Slice the chicken against the grain, if desired, and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-18 minutes
• Category: main dish
• Method: grilling
• Cuisine: american

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast

Keywords: chicken, grilled, honey, lime, sweet, tangy, easy, marinade, summer, healthy

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This Honey Lime Grilled Chicken recipe is a true winner for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly beginner-friendly. The marinade comes together in minutes with common pantry staples, and grilling chicken breasts is a straightforward process that even those new to the grill can master. Second, it’s perfect for busy families. The chicken can be marinated ahead of time, cutting down on last-minute prep, and the cooking time is relatively short. It’s a healthy and satisfying meal that appeals to a wide range of palates, including picky eaters, thanks to its balanced sweet and savory profile. You can serve it for a casual weeknight dinner, a backyard barbecue, or even as part of a meal prep plan for lunches throughout the week. It’s a reliable recipe that delivers on flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

This recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients that you likely already have on hand or can easily find at any grocery store. The key to its delicious flavor lies in the marinade, which combines a few powerful components to create that signature sweet and tangy profile.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3-4 breasts)
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice (from about 2-3 limes)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)

For the chicken breasts, you can opt for thinly sliced chicken cutlets if you prefer a faster cooking time, or even chicken thighs for a richer flavor. If fresh limes aren’t available, bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch, though fresh will always provide a brighter flavor. Any neutral-flavored oil like avocado oil can substitute for olive oil. Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic to your taste – if you love garlic, add a little extra!

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This recipe is designed for efficiency, especially if you plan ahead with the marinating.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Marinating Time: 30 minutes (minimum) to 4 hours (recommended)
• Cook Time: 12-18 minutes
• Total Time: 52 minutes to 4 hours 28 minutes (depending on marinating time)

The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavor it will absorb, but even a quick 30-minute soak will yield delicious results if you’re short on time.

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Follow these simple steps to create perfectly grilled honey lime chicken.

1. Prepare the Chicken: If your chicken breasts are very thick, you might want to pound them to an even ½-inch thickness. This ensures they cook more evenly and quickly. Place chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin.
2. Whisk the Marinade Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the honey, fresh lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, lime zest, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the ingredients are well combined and the honey is fully dissolved.
3. Marinate the Chicken: Place the prepared chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the honey lime marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally for 2-4 hours. Do not marinate for more than 4 hours, as the lime juice can start to “cook” the chicken, making it tough.
4. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. You can do this by folding a paper towel, dipping it in a little oil, and carefully wiping it over the hot grates using tongs.
5. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off (discard the remaining marinade). Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Cook for 6-9 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer at the thickest part of the breast. You should see nice grill marks and a slightly caramelized exterior.
6. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the grilled chicken to a cutting board. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken. Slice the chicken against the grain, if desired, and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This Honey Lime Grilled Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you might cut the chicken into smaller strips before marinating and grilling, making them perfect for dipping. A mild ranch or a sweet chili sauce can be a fun addition for little ones.

Consider adding a touch of spice to the marinade for those who enjoy a little heat. A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha can elevate the flavor profile. You could also incorporate a teaspoon of ground cumin or smoked paprika into the marinade for an earthy, smoky undertone.

This grilled chicken is wonderful served alongside a fresh green salad, quinoa, rice (especially cilantro lime rice!), or grilled vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. For a heartier meal, serve it with roasted sweet potatoes or corn on the cob. It also makes fantastic chicken tacos or quesadillas the next day – simply chop up the leftover chicken and use it as a filling. For a party or buffet, slice the chicken and arrange it on a platter with a sprinkle of extra lime zest and cilantro for a beautiful presentation.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have common pitfalls. Here’s how to ensure your Honey Lime Grilled Chicken turns out perfectly every time.

• Over-Marinating the Chicken: While marinating adds flavor, leaving chicken in a citrus-based marinade for too long (more than 4 hours) can actually make it tough and stringy. The acid in the lime juice begins to denature the proteins, essentially “cooking” the chicken before it even hits the grill. Stick to the recommended marinating times for the best texture.
• Not Pounding Chicken to Even Thickness: If your chicken breasts are uneven, thinner parts will cook faster and dry out while thicker parts are still cooking. Pounding them to a uniform ½-inch thickness ensures even cooking and juicy results throughout.
• Grilling on Too High or Too Low Heat: Grilling on heat that’s too high will burn the exterior before the inside is cooked, while heat that’s too low will dry out the chicken before it gets good grill marks. Medium-high heat is ideal for achieving a nicely seared exterior and a thoroughly cooked, juicy interior.
• Not Oiling the Grill Grates: Skipping this step is a common cause of chicken sticking to the grill, leading to torn pieces and a frustrating cooking experience. Always lightly oil your grates before placing the chicken on them.
• Not Resting the Chicken: Cutting into the chicken immediately after grilling will cause all the delicious juices to run out, leaving you with drier meat. Resting the chicken for 5-10 minutes allows the juices to redistribute, locking in moisture and flavor.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This Honey Lime Grilled Chicken is excellent for meal prep and leftovers.

To store any leftover grilled chicken, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2-3 months. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

When reheating, avoid overcooking, which can dry out the chicken. For best results, slice the chicken before reheating. You can gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat with a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to add moisture, or microwave it briefly in 30-second intervals until just heated through. If reheating from frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before warming. The texture remains quite good, especially if reheated gently.

Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and often stay even juicier. Adjust grilling time slightly,

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.