New year, new chicken! Happy New everyone, I hope you had a safe and joyful New Year. While 2020 was a super weird year, we’re blessed to still be here talking about chicken, making good food, and doing the things we enjoy. Also, if I haven’t said this lately, I’m so glad you’re here. With every new year we tend to lean towards healthier meals and this recipe is definitely one of my quick, easy, and healthier recipes. While I’m not really into diets I do support cleanses and making the best possible choices for one’s self.
What I really love about this chicken is the flavor and simple ingredients. We are simply using honey, lime juice, and chili powder to create a beautiful and rounded sauce that is perfect for these chicken thighs and can also be used on shrimp, salmon, and even scallops. It’s the sauce you make when you want to take your chicken or fish from blah to bomb!
For this recipe we are using boneless chicken thighs because I personally love the flavor and juicy tenderness but you can use whatever part of the chicken you like best. The cooking time may vary but not by much.
How to make Honey Lime Chili Chicken
Step 1
Add the olive oil to a large skillet over medium high heat. Season the chicken thighs with all of the dry seasonings and once the oil is hot, place the chicken in the skillet smooth side down. Cook on both sides until the chicken has browned.
Step 2
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce by adding all of the ingredients to a bowl and whisk everything together very well. Once you have flipped the chicken and it’s nearing done, pour the honey lime chili sauce on the chicken (in the skillet) and reduce the heat as the sauce thickens. Let the sauce continue to simmer for 5-7 minutes before removing the chicken from the heat.

Honey Lime Chili Chicken
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Description
The perfect Honey Lime Chili Chicken recipe that comes together in less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 6 boneless skinless (or bone in) chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper
- 1–2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp 21 Salute seasoning (optional)
The Honey lime chili sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 tsp fresh garlic or garlic paste
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Add the olive oil to a large skillet over medium high heat. Season the chicken thighs with all of the dry seasonings and once the oil is hot, place the chicken in the skillet smooth side down. Cook on both sides until the chicken has browned.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce by adding all of the ingredients to a bowl and whisk everything together very well. Once you have flipped the chicken and it’s nearing done, pour the honey lime chili sauce on the chicken (in the skillet) and reduce the heat as the sauce thickens. Let the sauce continue to simmer for 5-7 minutes before removing the chicken from the heat.
Keywords: Honey lime chili chicken, easy chicken recipes
Love this recipe! Thank you for sharing 🙂
★★★★★
Awesome! Thanks Erin 🙂
This recipe is SO good. The sauce caramelizes onto the chicken and the thighs stay moist. This is going into my regular rotation!
★★★★★
Hey Jen! So good to hear 🙂 I love that caramelization too!