Grilled Spicy Honey Lime Chicken (Printable)
Juicy chicken marinated in honey, lime and chili, then grilled to a caramelized, bright finish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ 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)
→ Garnish
13 - Chopped fresh cilantro
14 - Lime wedges
# Steps:
01 - In a medium mixing bowl, combine honey, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk thoroughly to blend all ingredients.
02 - Place chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or for maximum flavor up to 8 hours.
03 - Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
04 - Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Place chicken on the grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Adjust grilling time if using thicker cuts or chicken thighs.
05 - Transfer grilled chicken to a platter and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. Slice as desired.
06 - Top with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The marinade sneaks sweet, spicy, and tangy into every bite without much work.
- Leftovers never last long, because it’s just as good cold, tossed onto salads or tucked in wraps.
02 -
- If you skip preheating the grill, the chicken will stick and tear—I learned that one the messy way.
- Setting a bit of marinade aside (before adding chicken) to simmer for sauce adds both flavor and a glossy finish.
03 -
- Brush a little oil on the chicken before grilling for perfect sear marks without sticking.
- Reserve a bit of marinade (before chicken goes in) for a warm drizzle at the table—it’s my not-so-secret finisher.