Grilled Honey Lime Cilantro Chicken Recipe
This Grilled Honey Lime Cilantro Chicken offers a vibrant and tangy flavor combination perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend barbecue. Marinated in a zesty blend of lime juice, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and fresh cilantro, the chicken thighs are grilled to juicy perfection and resting to lock in their flavorful juices. Serve this crowd-pleasing dish with your favorite sides for a delicious and easy meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 23 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Marinade and Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2-3 limes)
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
- ½ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine marinade ingredients: In a large ziplock bag or bowl, mix together the fresh lime juice, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, salt, and black pepper until well blended.
- Marinate chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, coating them thoroughly. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Preheat grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure it’s properly heated for cooking the chicken evenly.
- Grill chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the hot grill. Cook each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 155°F and the chicken is cooked through without any pink remaining.
- Rest chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes to redistribute the juices before serving, resulting in a moist and flavorful bite.
Notes
- For juicier chicken, marinate overnight.
- You can use chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs tend to remain more tender and flavorful.
- Make sure the grill is properly cleaned and oiled to prevent sticking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is safely cooked while avoiding overcooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.