Grilled Spicy Honey Lime Chicken (Printable)
Tender grilled chicken marinated in honey, lime and spices, finished with cilantro and lime wedges.
# What You Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 1/2 pounds)
→ Marinade
02 - 3 tablespoons honey
03 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 large lime)
04 - 1 tablespoon lime zest
05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 - 2 teaspoons chili powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
09 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
→ Garnish
13 - Chopped fresh cilantro
14 - Lime wedges
# Steps:
01 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, fresh lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until fully blended.
02 - Arrange the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 8 hours.
03 - Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to minimize sticking.
04 - Remove chicken breasts from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Grill for 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring the meat is cooked through.
05 - Transfer chicken to a serving platter and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The marinade comes together in minutes but makes you look like you planned all week
- That sweet and spicy combo works on literally everyone, even picky eaters
02 -
- Reserve a few tablespoons of marinade before adding the raw chicken if you want a sauce, but boil it first for safety
- Letting the chicken rest after grilling is non-negotiable, cutting too early lets all the juice escape
03 -
- Pat the chicken dry before marinating if you want even better adhesion
- Don't move the chicken around too much while grilling, let those char marks develop