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Flavorful Honey Garlic Lime Grilled Chicken Thighs

honey garlic lime grilled chicken thighs - featured image

Juicy, tender grilled chicken thighs marinated in a perfect balance of sweet honey, zesty lime, and punchy garlic, ideal for quick and easy weeknight dinners or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
  • Juice and zest of 2 medium limes
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine honey, minced garlic, lime juice and zest, olive oil, soy sauce, black pepper, and salt. Whisk until honey dissolves and mixture is glossy, about 5 minutes.
  2. Pat dry chicken thighs with paper towels. Add chicken to marinade bowl and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour (minimum 20 minutes if short on time).
  3. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). Lightly oil grill grates or pan to prevent sticking.
  4. Place chicken thighs skin-side down on grill. Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, turning once. Baste occasionally with reserved marinade to keep juicy and flavorful. Total cook time about 15-18 minutes.
  5. Check doneness by internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) or clear juices when pierced. Skin should be caramelized and slightly charred.
  6. Transfer chicken to plate and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before marinating for crisp skin. Do not marinate longer than 1 hour to avoid texture changes from lime acidity. Use a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking temperature. Rest chicken before serving to keep it juicy. If flare-ups occur, move chicken to cooler grill area. Thin marinade with water if too thick for basting.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic lime chicken, grilled chicken thighs, easy grilled chicken, summer grilling, juicy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner