Honey Lime Chicken Thighs

$- Chicken Thighs: Use 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. This cut keeps the meat juicy and adds flavor. - Marinade Components: The marinade includes: - 1/4 cup honey for sweetness. - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice to add tang. - 2 cloves minced garlic for depth. - 1 teaspoon lime zest to enhance the lime flavor. - 1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce for umami. - Seasoning Essentials: You will need: - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin for warmth. - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness. - Salt and pepper to taste for balance. This mix of ingredients creates a bright and flavorful dish. The chicken thighs soak up the marinade, making each bite delicious. The honey and lime work together, giving sweet and tart notes. The spices add depth, making this meal exciting and easy to prepare. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to mix the marinade. Take a small bowl and whisk together these ingredients: - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon lime zest - 1 teaspoon soy sauce (low sodium) - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Make sure to blend them well. You want the honey to dissolve fully. This mix will give the chicken a tasty, sweet, and tangy flavor. Next, it's time to coat the chicken. Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Use your hands to move the chicken around, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly. This step is key for full flavor. For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, let it sit for up to 2 hours. This longer time lets the flavors sink in deeper. Keep the chicken in the fridge while it marinates. This keeps it safe and fresh. Now, let’s cook the chicken. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once it's hot, remove the chicken from the marinade. Save the marinade for later use. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Cook them for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. This step is vital for that nice texture. After searing, flip the chicken thighs over. Pour the reserved marinade over them. This adds moisture and flavor while they cook. Then, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once done, take the skillet out and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep the meat juicy. - Marination Time: For the best taste, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, aim for 2 hours. This allows the flavors to soak in well. - Tips for Crispiness: To get a lovely crispy skin, start by searing the chicken skin-side down. Cook it for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. This step adds flavor and texture. - Safe practices for reusing marinades: Always set aside some marinade before adding it to raw chicken. This keeps it safe to use later. If you want to use it for a sauce, cook it first to kill any germs. - Flavor enhancement suggestions: Add a little more lime juice or honey to the leftover marinade. This will boost the flavor when you use it in your dish. You can even mix it with some broth for a tasty sauce. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for More Flavor: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken thighs for at least 2 hours, or even overnight if possible. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Achieve Extra Crispy Skin: For extra crispy skin, sear the chicken thighs skin-side down until golden brown before transferring to the oven. Save the Marinade: Don’t discard the marinade! Use it to baste the chicken while it’s baking for an added layer of flavor. {{image_2}} You can easily change some ingredients in this recipe. If you don't have honey, try using agave nectar or maple syrup for sweetness. These alternatives add a nice touch without losing the flavor. When choosing chicken, you can switch from bone-in to boneless thighs. Boneless thighs cook faster, so adjust the cooking time. They will still be juicy and delicious. If you like a bit of heat, consider adding chili powder to the spice mix. This small change can give your chicken a nice kick. You can also try other spices like cayenne or smoked paprika for deeper flavor. Think about adding veggies to your dish. Bell peppers, zucchini, or corn can add color and taste. You can roast them alongside the chicken for a complete meal. Enjoy exploring these variations to make your Honey Lime Chicken Thighs your own! To keep your Honey Lime Chicken Thighs fresh, use airtight containers. This helps prevent air from making the chicken dry. Make sure to cool the chicken to room temperature before storing. You can keep leftovers in the fridge for up to four days. If you want them to last longer, freeze them in freezer-safe bags. Just remember to label them with the date. When it's time to eat your leftovers, reheating is easy. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the chicken moist. You can also use a microwave if you’re in a hurry, but be careful not to overheat. Heat for 1-2 minutes, then check if it’s warm enough. Enjoy your tasty meal again! I recommend marinating chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to soak in. For even more flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours. If you have more time, let them sit longer in the fridge. The longer they marinate, the tastier they become. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs! They cook faster than bone-in thighs. If you choose boneless, reduce the cooking time by about 10 minutes. Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C). This way, your chicken stays juicy and delicious. Many sides go well with Honey Lime Chicken Thighs. Here are some popular options: - Steamed rice or quinoa - Roasted vegetables, like broccoli or carrots - A fresh salad with lime dressing - Grilled corn on the cob These sides will make your meal complete and tasty. In this post, we explored how to make Honey Lime Chicken Thighs. We covered the best ingredients, marinade preparation, cooking steps, and storage tips. Perfecting your marination time ensures great flavor and crispiness. Feel free to experiment with ingredient swaps for your taste. Enjoy leftovers by following safe storage methods. Now, you have the tools to impress anyone with your cooking skills. Dive into this recipe and make it your own!$

Honey Lime Chicken Thighs

Deliciously marinated chicken thighs with a sweet and tangy honey-lime flavor.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
0.25 cup honey
2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon lime zest
1 teaspoon soy sauce (low sodium)
0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt and pepper
optional fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, minced garlic, lime zest, soy sauce, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later.
In a large ovenproof skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
Flip the chicken thighs over and pour the reserved marinade over them.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve the chicken thighs on a large platter, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a burst of color. Drizzle some of the pan drippings over the chicken for added flavor.

Keyword baked, chicken, honey, lime, marinated