Description
Honey Lime Grilled Chicken Thighs are juicy, flavorful pieces of boneless skinless chicken marinated in a zesty blend of honey, lime juice, and aromatic spices, then grilled to perfection for a deliciously caramelized and smoky finish. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a summer barbecue or a simple weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken thighs on a clean cutting board and trim any excess fat with a sharp knife as needed. Pat the chicken dry using paper towels to ensure the surface is dry for better marinade absorption and grilling.
- Make the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika until smooth and fully combined.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag, pour the marinade over them, and coat each piece evenly. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1 to 2 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high (375°F to 400°F). Lightly oil the grill grates with olive oil using a paper towel or use cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place chicken thighs on the hot grill, skin-side down if any skin remains, and cook undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Flip and finish grilling: Turn the chicken over and grill for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until an internal thermometer reads 165°F, indicating the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- You can substitute lime juice with lemon juice for a different citrus tang.
- If you don’t have a grill, this recipe can be adapted for stovetop grilling in a grill pan or broiling in the oven.
- Ensure the grill grates are well-oiled to prevent the chicken from sticking and tearing.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the chicken is cooked perfectly and safe to eat.
