Spicy Honey-Lime Chicken recipe

Spicy Honey-Lime Chicken is a perfect blend of sweetness, tanginess, and a kick of heat. This dish is quick to prepare and bursting with flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or a cozy dinner, this recipe is a winner.

Ingredients

To make this mouth-watering chicken, you’ll need:

• Chicken and Marinade:
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Sauce and Garnishes:
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha or hot sauce
  • Lime wedges
  • Chopped fresh cilantro

Preparation

Marinating the Chicken:

1. Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
2. Gather the ingredients for the marinade.

Making the Marinade:

1. Combining the Marinade Ingredients:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
   • Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
2. Marinating Time:
   • Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more intense flavor.

Cooking the Chicken:

1. Grilling or Pan-Searing:
   • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade.
2. Ensuring Proper Cooking:
   • Grill or sear the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Preparing the Honey-Lime Sauce:

1. Mixing the Sauce Ingredients:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, and sriracha or hot sauce.
2. Adjusting Spice Levels:
   • Taste the sauce and adjust the heat level by adding more sriracha or honey, depending on your preference.

Combining Everything:

1. Coating the Chicken with Sauce:
   • Once the chicken is cooked, brush it generously with the honey-lime sauce.
2. Garnishing and Serving:
   • Garnish with lime wedges and chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Pair the Spicy Honey-Lime Chicken with a side of steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad. For an extra burst of flavor, serve with a dollop of avocado salsa or a side of mango chutney.

Storage Tips

• Keeping Leftovers Fresh:
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating Instructions:
  • Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to maintain moisture.

Variations

• Using Different Proteins: Try this recipe with boneless pork chops or shrimp for a delicious twist.
• Adjusting the Heat Level: For a milder version, reduce the amount of sriracha or omit it altogether.

Tips for Success

• Achieving Juicy Chicken: Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it tender and juicy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.
• Balancing Flavors: Taste the marinade and sauce as you go, adjusting the sweetness, acidity, and heat to suit your preferences.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to a day in advance and cook it when ready to serve.
2. How do I store leftovers?
   • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I bake the chicken instead?
   • Yes, bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
4. What if I don’t like spicy food?
   • You can reduce or omit the sriracha in the sauce for a milder flavor.
5. How long does this chicken last?
   • The cooked chicken will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

Spicy Honey-Lime Chicken is a delectable dish that combines the sweetness of honey, the tanginess of lime, and a kick of heat. It’s easy to prepare and full of flavor, making it a perfect addition to your recipe repertoire. Give it a try and enjoy this mouth-watering meal!

Spicy Honey-Lime Chicken recipe

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Spicy Honey-Lime Chicken is a perfect blend of sweetness, tanginess, and a kick of heat. This dish is quick to prepare and bursting with flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or a cozy dinner, this recipe is a winner.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Marinating Time 30 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 pounds (1.13kg) boneless skinless thighs, trimmed and cut into 2 inch/5.1cm pieces, Note 1 chicken tenders or boneless breasts are fine too
• Garnish: 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro or parsley; lime wedges
• Honey Lime chicken marinade (and glaze), Note 2
• 3 tablespoon soy sauce low sodium is good if you have
• 6 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon lime zest from one lime
• 3 tablespoon fresh lime juice from 1 1/2 to 2 limes
• 4 garlic cloves, minced or grated (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
• 1 1/2 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (about 1 1/2 inch of fresh ginger)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoon Sriracha sauce for pretty spicy (use more or less to taste)
• 1 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch (to thicken to glaze consistency) Optional

Instructions

• MAKE MARINADE/SAUCE: Whisk all marinade ingredients together in a small bowl. Or blend them in a food processor.

• MARINATE CHICKEN: Pour half the marinade (about 1/2 cup) into a sealed zipper bag or container and add chicken. Marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature or 6-12 hours in fridge. Tip: if marinating overnight, I leave out lime juice and increase zest so it doesn't 'cook' the chicken.

• PREPARE GRILL: Scrape grill and spray grill with oil (or dip paper towel in oil and rub on grill). Heat grill to medium-high heat. If using wood skewers, soak them for 30 minutes beforehand to avoid burning. Note 3.

• GRILL CHICKEN SKEWERS: Skewer marinated chicken pieces onto skewers and pat dry (important). Discard the marinade used for marinating. Lightly spray chicken with oil to further avoid sticking. Grill on all sides until chicken cooks to a golden brown (you'll need to turn chicken a couple of times), for 9-12 minutes in total (depending on thickness and how tightly packed the skewers are), basting once or twice with the honey lime glaze. Instant thermometer will read 160F/71C. Rest chicken, loosely covered for 5 minutes.

• SERVE: If you have any leftover sauce, drizzle it on the chicken or warm it in microwave for 30 seconds and pass it around. Sprinkle chicken with cilantro or parsley and serve with lime wedges if desired. Serve hot or at room temperature.