Chili Lime Chicken
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Marinating Time
20 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
8 people
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Calories
275 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
Chili Lime Chicken
Description
Chili Lime Chicken incorporates a marinade of lime juice, honey, garlic, herbs, and warming spices like chili powder, cumin, and cayenne. After marinating, the chicken thighs are seared in oil to brown the exterior, then baked until cooked through. Meanwhile, the leftover marinade is reduced on the stove to a thick glaze that enlivens the finished chicken. This technique concentrates the marinade flavors and adds moisture and gloss to the meat.
This chicken dish serves well warm, showcasing a balance of sweet, acidic, and mildly spicy notes. It can be paired with rice, vegetables, or salads for a complete meal. The method is adaptable for grilling or air frying with similar timing and glazing techniques to develop smoky or crisp edges.
Marinating times vary from 20 minutes up to 4 hours for more pronounced flavor. The recipe includes details for air fryer and grilling alternatives to bake the chicken while carefully managing heat and timing. Reducing the marinade separately ensures safety and a more intense coating on the chicken.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thigh about 6-8 thighs, boneless skinless
- ½ cup lime juice fresh or store-bought, 121 g
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped
- 2 tablespoons garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- To a large bowl, add lime juice, honey, cilantro, garlic, chili powder, cumin, onion powder, salt, and cayenne. Mix well. Add chicken. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes, up to 4 hours.
- When ready, preheat oven to 400°F*.
- To a large oven-safe skillet over medium to medium-high heat, add oil. Once hot, add the chicken, reserving the excess marinade. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until the chicken begins to brown. It will not be fully cooked at this time.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- While the chicken is cooking, to a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the reserved marinade. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the marinade thickens and becomes sticky.
- Brush the marinade over the cooked chicken. Serve warm.
Notes
- Marinate chicken thighs between 20 minutes and 4 hours to adjust flavor intensity.
- You can cook this chicken using an air fryer at 380°F for 14-16 minutes or on a grill over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side.
- Always boil the reserved marinade separately before brushing it on the cooked chicken to ensure food safety and concentrate flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 275 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1chicken thigh with glaze | |
| Calories | 275kcal | 14% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.