Honey Lime Chicken Thighs

Name: Honey Lime Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup fresh lime juice; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on

Highlighted under: Healthy Inspirations Studio

I absolutely love making Honey Lime Chicken Thighs, especially on busy weeknights when I crave something delicious yet easy to prepare. The blend of sweet honey and zesty lime creates a mouthwatering marinade that infuses the chicken with incredible flavor. I usually marinate the thighs for at least an hour, allowing the citrus to tenderize the meat while imparting that signature tanginess. This dish is not just a treat for the taste buds but is also perfect for meal prep, making it a go-to in my kitchen.

Created by

Abigail Foster

Last updated on 2026-02-08T08:05:36.911Z

When I first experimented with this recipe, I was amazed at how quickly the simple marinade transformed the chicken thighs into a culinary delight. The combination of honey and lime is not just delicious; it also creates a lovely balance of sweet and tart, drawing out vibrant flavors that make every bite memorable. I discovered that grilling the thighs instead of baking them gives a wonderful caramelization, enhancing their flavor profile significantly.

One of the best tips I can share is to let the chicken marinate for longer than just 30 minutes; an hour or even overnight in the fridge elevates the taste immensely. When I tried it this way, the chicken was incredibly juicy and flavor-packed, making it a favorite for family dinners or BBQ gatherings!

Why You'll Love These Honey Lime Chicken Thighs
The heavenly combination of sweet honey and tangy lime.
Tender chicken thighs that stay juicy and flavorful.
Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Marinade Mastery

The honey lime marinade for this dish is not only key to flavor but also assists in tenderizing the chicken thighs. Honey acts as a natural tenderizer and adds moisture, while lime juice provides acidity that breaks down proteins. Make sure to thoroughly whisk together the marinade until it's completely smooth and integrated, ensuring an even coat on the chicken. If you want an additional layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of orange juice to the marinade; it complements the lime beautifully.

To enhance the marinade's flavor absorption, allow the chicken to marinate for longer than the minimum 1-hour. If time permits, marinating for up to 6 hours or even overnight can deepen the flavor profile significantly. Just ensure you do not exceed 24 hours, as the acidity can change the texture of the meat, making it mushy. For a fun variation, try adding fresh herbs such as cilantro or thyme to the marinade for a fresh twist.

Grilling Tips

When grilling the chicken thighs, preheat your grill to medium-high heat to achieve perfectly charred skin and juicy meat. You want the grill temperature to reach around 375-400°F (190-200°C). Placing the thighs skin-side down initially helps achieve a crispy, golden skin, which is a highlight of this dish. Keep an eye on the chicken while it cooks; you want the skin to turn a rich brown without burning. It should reach a temperature of 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part for safe consumption.

If you’re worried about flare-ups from the rendered chicken fat, create a two-zone fire on your grill. Cook on the hot side initially, then move the chicken to a cooler side to finish cooking if necessary. This method allows the chicken to cook through without risking burning the exterior. For added depth, brush the chicken with some of the reserved marinade during the last few minutes of grilling; just be cautious not to brush too early to avoid contamination.

Serving Suggestions

Once your Honey Lime Chicken Thighs are rested and ready to serve, pair them with bright and fresh accompaniments to balance the rich flavors. A vibrant salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette works beautifully. For a heartier option, consider serving the chicken alongside coconut rice or quinoa—both pair excellently with the sweet and tangy notes of the marinade.

This dish is also fantastic for meal prepping. Cooked chicken thighs can be stored in air-tight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They also freeze well—just ensure they are cooled completely before sealing and freezing. When ready to enjoy, reheat them gently in the oven to maintain moisture, or add them to a stir-fry for a speedy meal without compromising flavor.

Ingredients

Honey Lime Marinade

1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt

Chicken

4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on

Directions

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, soy sauce, garlic, cumin, black pepper, and salt until fully combined.

Marinate the Chicken

Place chicken thighs in a large resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and massage the chicken to ensure even coating. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Grill the Chicken

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and discard excess marinade. Grill chicken thighs skin-side down for 6-7 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 6-7 minutes or until fully cooked.

Serve

Remove chicken from grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the Honey Lime Chicken Thighs with a fresh salad or your favorite side dishes.

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, add some chopped cilantro to the marinade. You can also substitute the chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're out of honey, consider using maple syrup as a substitute; it will provide a different sweetness but still complement the lime well. For a lower-sugar option, agave syrup or brown sugar can also be used effectively. Adjust the quantity slightly, as agave is sweeter than honey. If soy sauce isn’t available, tamari can be a gluten-free alternative, or try coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter, soy-free choice.

For those avoiding garlic, feel free to replace it with shallots for a milder flavor, or simply omit it if you prefer. When it comes to fresh herbs, cilantro or scallions can be finely chopped and added to the marinade for extra freshness.

Make-Ahead Tips

Marinating chicken thighs ahead of time not only saves you precious minutes on busy evenings but also allows for deeper flavor penetration. You can prepare the marinade the night before, store it in the refrigerator, and add the chicken just before heading to bed. This streamlines your cooking process for the following day, ensuring your meal is both flavorful and hassle-free.

Another great make-ahead option is to pre-cook the chicken thighs completely, allowing them to cool, and then store them in the fridge for up to four days or freeze them for longer. When ready to enjoy, they can be reheated on the grill to restore that charred element or warmed in the oven, wrapped loosely in foil to retain moisture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may cook faster than thighs, so adjust the grilling time accordingly.

→ How long can I marinate the chicken?

For best results, marinate the chicken thighs for at least an hour, but you can marinate them overnight for even more flavor.

→ What can I serve with Honey Lime Chicken Thighs?

These chicken thighs pair well with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. You could also serve them with grilled vegetables.

→ Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?

Yes, you can bake the chicken thighs at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).