Zesty, Sweet & Crispy: Cilantro Lime Chicken with Honey Glaze
If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and just a little bit indulgent, this Cilantro Lime Chicken with Crispy Honey Glaze is calling your name. This dish strikes the perfect balance — juicy chicken marinated in tangy lime and fragrant cilantro, seared to golden perfection, then glazed with a touch of honey for a sticky-sweet finish that caramelizes beautifully in the pan.
It’s a restaurant-worthy meal made simple for busy weeknights — or those weekend dinners when you want to impress without the stress. With bold, zesty flavors and that irresistible crispy skin, it pairs effortlessly with rice, roasted veggies, or even a simple salad.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or making something special for family dinner, this recipe is bound to become a favorite.
Cilantro Lime Chicken Ingredients
- Chicken: You can go with either chicken thighs or breasts, but I personally love using bone-in, skin-on thighs. They stay extra juicy during cooking, and the skin crisps up beautifully for that irresistible golden finish.
- Fresh Lime: Nothing beats the zing of freshly squeezed lime juice. It’s way more vibrant than the bottled kind and makes a big difference in flavor.
- Cilantro: Freshly chopped cilantro brings a burst of herbal freshness and also makes a gorgeous garnish when serving.
- Garlic: I’m a big fan of using fresh garlic — it brings bold flavor to any chicken dish. But if you’re out, feel free to use about ½ teaspoon of garlic powder per clove as a substitute.
- Cumin: This warm, earthy spice is a must-have in Mexican-inspired dishes. It gives the marinade that deep, signature flavor.
- Honey: Just a touch of honey helps mellow out the sharpness of the lime and adds a subtle sweetness that rounds everything out perfectly.
How To Make It
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Juice and zest of 2 limes
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
🔪 Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and chili powder.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 5-6 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Honey Lime Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
- Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the honey, soy sauce, lime juice and zest, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine and Glaze:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating each piece with the honey lime sauce.
- Let it simmer for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the chicken.
- Serve hot with your choice of sides.
🍽 Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with cilantro lime rice or quinoa for a hearty meal.
- Add a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh garden salad.
- Garnish with extra lime wedges for an added citrusy kick.
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 limes, zested and juiced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup cilantro leaves, chopped