This super easy Grilled Honey Lime Chicken is sweet, zesty, and crispy on the outside! All you need is six ingredients to make this recipe, and it’s just perfect for grilling all summer long.

I can’t get enough of grilled chicken during cookout season! Try my Grilled Huli Huli Chicken for a Hawaiian twist, and my Grilled Curry Mango Chicken is perfectly sweet and spicy!

Honey Lime Chicken thighs on a plate.

Save this Recipe

Enter your email to get it straight in your inbox! Plus, receive new recipes weekly!

    Before you get started / Kelley’s tips

    • Don’t skip the marinating time. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but 2–4 hours is preferable for deeper flavor. Just don’t let it sit for too long though (I recommend 24 hours max)—as the acidity in the lime juice can start to break down the meat’s fibers and make it mushy.
    • Use a meat thermometer. Chicken thighs are forgiving, but still aim for reaching a temperature of 165°F for perfectly cooked meat.
    • Add zest for extra flavor. Want a punchier lime flavor? Add a little bit of lime zest to the marinade or sprinkle some over the chicken before serving.

    Ingredients

    • Chicken thighs: Juicy, flavorful, and quick-cooking, chicken thighs are perfect for grilling!
    • Lime juice: The freshly squeezed lime juice gives the chicken a nice tang. It also helps to tenderize the meat. If you don’t have lime on hand, lemon would also work fine in this recipe.
    • Honey: Gives the chicken a bit of sweetness and provides a nice caramelized glaze for the chicken.
    • Garlic: I always have to have garlic! I like to mince fresh garlic, but to save time you can buy pre-minced garlic. Feel free to add extra if you’re a fan!
    • Low sodium soy sauce: If you do not have low sodium soy sauce you can substitute regular soy sauce diluted with water so it’s not too salty. You can also substitute coconut aminos or tamari for a gluten-free version.
    • Cilantro: Fresh chopped cilantro for serving gives the chicken a burst of color and flavor!

    How to Make Grilled Honey Lime Chicken

    1. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken, lime juice, honey, garlic and soy sauce to a large ziplock bag. Marinade for 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
    Chicken thighs and marinade ingredients in a bag.
    1. Preheat the Grill: When you’re ready to cook preheat your grill to medium high heat.
    1. Cook the Chicken: Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
    1. Garnish and Serve: Serve immediately with fresh cilantro if desired.
    Grilled honey lime chicken breasts on a plate.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does lime do to chicken?

    It makes the meat super tender and locks in the juices as it marinates and cooks. Lemon will do the same thing!

    How long can you marinate chicken in lime juice?

    I recommend marinating chicken in lime juice for at least 30 minutes, but preferably overnight. You can also add the ingredients to a ziplock bag and freeze them together.

    How do you make lime glaze for chicken?

    Simply mix equal parts lime juice and honey with a little garlic and soy sauce and marinate the chicken in this honey lime chicken marinade. When you grill the chicken, brush some of the extra lime glaze over it to caramelize the skin.

    Honey lime chicken breasts garnished with cilantro and lime wedges.

    More Chicken Recipes to Try

    Honey lime chicken thighs on a plate.
    Recipe

    Grilled Honey Lime Chicken

    This super easy Grilled Honey Lime Chicken is sweet, zesty, and crispy on the outside! All you need is six ingredients to make this recipe, and it's just perfect for grilling all summer long.
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Serves 4 servings

    Save this Recipe

    Enter your email to get it straight in your inbox! Plus, receive new recipes weekly!

      Ingredients 

      Instructions

      • Add the chicken, lime juice, honey, garlic and soy sauce to a large ziplock bag.
        Marinade for 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
      • When you're ready to cook preheat your grill to medium high heat.
      • Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
      • Serve immediately with fresh cilantro if desired.

      Nutrition Information

      Calories: 323kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 19gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 111mgSodium: 355mgPotassium: 284mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 88IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 1mg
      Honey lime chicken thighs on a plate.

      Did You Make This?

      I’d love to hear your feedback! Leave a review and make sure to share your pictures on social media! Don’t forget to follow @thechefsavvy.