Grilled Honey Chili Lime Cilantro Chicken

The combination of honey, chili, lime, and cilantro is like a little burst of sunshine in every bite. The sweetness of the honey balances perfectly with the heat from the chili, while the tangy lime adds that zesty kick that makes your taste buds dance. And then there’s the cilantro—herbaceous, fresh, and slightly citrusy, it ties everything together with a pop of color and flavor. As the chicken grills, it absorbs all these incredible flavors, caramelizing just enough on the outside to create a crispy, golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the juicy, tender meat on the inside. The aroma is enough to make your stomach rumble, drawing you in long before you take your first bite. It’s one of those dishes that smells so good it’s almost impossible not to sneak a taste straight off the grill! And as it rests before serving, the heat from the chili continues to linger, leaving just the right amount of warmth, making it perfect for any occasion.

Key Ingredients in Grilled Honey Chili Lime Cilantro Chicken

Each ingredient in this dish plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors. Here’s a closer look at the ingredients that come together to make this grilled chicken recipe so irresistible:

* Chicken breasts

The star of the dish! Tender and juicy, chicken breasts soak up all the flavorful marinade and grill beautifully, creating that perfect golden crust.

* Olive oil

A must for grilling, olive oil helps to keep the chicken moist while also enhancing the flavors. It’s the base for the marinade, giving the spices something to adhere to.

* Honey

This adds the natural sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the heat of the chili and the tang of the lime, giving the dish a rich, glossy finish as it caramelizes on the grill.

* Lime juice

Bright and zesty, lime juice brings a sharp tang that cuts through the sweetness of the honey, adding freshness and a citrusy kick.

* Chili powder

The chili powder gives the dish its heat and depth. It’s not overpowering, but it adds just the right amount of spice to elevate the other flavors.

* Garlic powder

Garlic powder provides a savory depth to the marinade, adding umami flavor that enhances the overall complexity of the dish without being too strong.

* Cumin

This earthy, warm spice gives a smoky undertone to the chicken, complementing the chili and paprika while adding richness to the flavor profile.

* Paprika

Sweet and slightly smoky, paprika rounds out the heat from the chili powder and adds a beautiful color to the chicken, making each piece even more appetizing.

* Salt

A crucial ingredient to bring all the flavors together, salt amplifies the other seasonings and enhances the natural taste of the chicken.

* Black pepper

Just a pinch of black pepper adds a mild heat and a hint of sharpness that balances out the richness of the other ingredients.

* Fresh cilantro, chopped

Fresh and herbaceous, cilantro adds a burst of green freshness that brightens up the entire dish. It’s the perfect finishing touch, both for flavor and color.

* Lime zest

Zesty and fragrant, lime zest gives an extra pop of citrus aroma and taste that deepens the lime flavor in the chicken, creating a fresh, vibrant note that ties everything together.

How to Make Grilled Honey Chili Lime Cilantro Chicken

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F to 400°F. This ensures the chicken cooks quickly and gets that beautiful char on the outside.

2. While the grill is heating up, start by preparing the chicken breasts. If the chicken is particularly thick, gently pound it to an even thickness using a meat mallet, ensuring that it cooks evenly and stays juicy throughout.

3. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps the marinade stick better and prevents the chicken from steaming on the grill.

4. Drizzle the olive oil over both sides of the chicken breasts and rub it in to coat them evenly. This step ensures that the chicken stays moist during grilling and helps the spices adhere.

5. In a small mixing bowl, combine the honey, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir the ingredients together until the mixture is well combined, creating a flavorful marinade.

6. Using a brush or spoon, coat both sides of the chicken breasts generously with the honey chili lime mixture. Make sure each side is fully covered with the marinade, allowing the flavors to infuse into the chicken.

7. Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Close the grill lid and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes on the first side. This helps develop a golden, caramelized crust.

8. After 6 to 7 minutes, flip the chicken breasts over using tongs, then brush the exposed side with more of the honey chili lime marinade to ensure both sides are flavorful.

9. Continue grilling the chicken for another 6 to 7 minutes on the second side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer. This ensures that the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.

10. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat moist and tender.

11. While the chicken is resting, chop the fresh cilantro and zest one lime to gather about 1 tablespoon of lime zest. These fresh ingredients will add the final burst of flavor.

12. After the chicken has rested, sprinkle the chopped cilantro and lime zest over the top of each breast for that bright, fresh finish.

13. Serve the chicken immediately, either on its own or with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy every juicy, flavorful bite!

Serving Suggestions for Grilled Honey Chili Lime Cilantro Chicken

– Serve with a side of grilled vegetables: Think zucchini, bell peppers, and corn on the cob. The smoky flavors from the grill pair perfectly with the sweet and spicy chicken, creating a deliciously balanced meal. The charred edges of the veggies bring an added depth of flavor that complements the citrusy kick from the lime.

– Pair with a fresh, tangy salad: A simple avocado and tomato salad with a squeeze of extra lime juice and a sprinkle of salt is the perfect way to balance out the richness of the chicken. The creamy avocado and juicy tomatoes make a refreshing contrast to the heat, while the lime adds a bright, zesty finish.

– Wrap it up in a warm tortilla: For a fun twist, slice the grilled chicken and toss it into a soft flour tortilla with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole. Add a few sprigs of cilantro for that extra burst of freshness. This is a great option for a quick lunch or a casual dinner that’s bursting with flavor.

How to Store Grilled Honey Chili Lime Cilantro Chicken

If you happen to have leftovers (which is always a great problem to have!), here are some tips to help keep your chicken fresh and flavorful:

– Refrigerating: Place any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep it as juicy as possible, consider wrapping it in plastic wrap or foil before placing it in the container.

– Freezing: If you want to extend the life of your grilled chicken, freezing is a great option. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or freezer-safe foil and place it in a freezer bag. It will stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just let it thaw overnight in the fridge.

– Reheating: To reheat the chicken, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. For a quicker option, you can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out.

These simple methods will keep your grilled honey chili lime cilantro chicken just as tasty as when it was first cooked!

Conclusion

And there you have it—Grilled Honey Chili Lime Cilantro Chicken that’s bursting with bold flavors and just the right amount of heat! From the first sizzle on the grill to that irresistible caramelized finish, this recipe is sure to be a hit at your next meal. The balance of sweet, spicy, tangy, and fresh is something your taste buds will thank you for with every bite. Plus, it’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve at a gathering with friends.

I hope you have as much fun making this dish as I do every time! It’s a perfect way to bring a little sunshine to your table, no matter the season. Don’t forget to share your thoughts or any little tweaks you made—I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! And if you have any questions or need a hand along the way, feel free to reach out.

Happy cooking, and enjoy every juicy, flavorful bite!

Print Recipe

Grilled Honey Chili Lime Cilantro Chicken

Author: Maria Bennet Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 20 mins

Calories: 350

Description

Tender chicken, kissed by smoky grill marks, drizzled with a zesty honey-chili lime glaze. The perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy, finished with fresh cilantro for a burst of vibrant flavor. A bite you won’t forget!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 pound chicken breasts

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• 1 tablespoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper

• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• 1 tablespoon lime zest

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F to 400°F.
2. While the grill is heating up, start by preparing the chicken breasts. If they are particularly thick, you can gently pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet, ensuring they cook evenly.
3. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which helps the marinade stick better.
4. Drizzle the olive oil over both sides of the chicken breasts and rub it in to coat them evenly.
5. In a small mixing bowl, combine the honey, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir the ingredients together until the mixture is well combined.
6. Using a brush or spoon, coat both sides of the chicken breasts generously with the honey chili lime mixture, making sure each side is fully covered.
7. Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Close the grill lid and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes on the first side.
8. After 6 to 7 minutes, flip the chicken breasts over using tongs, then brush the exposed side with more of the honey chili lime marinade.
9. Continue grilling the chicken for another 6 to 7 minutes on the second side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer.
10. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat moist.
11. While the chicken is resting, chop the fresh cilantro and zest one lime to gather about 1 tablespoon of lime zest.
12. After the chicken has rested, sprinkle the chopped cilantro and lime zest over the top of each breast.
13. Serve the chicken immediately, either on its own or with your favorite side dishes.

Note

• Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook more evenly and stay juicy.
• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey chili lime mixture for 30 minutes to 1 hour before grilling.
• Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor, and be sure to zest the lime before juicing it.
• Adjust the amount of chili powder to control the heat level; more for spiciness, less for mild.
• Let the chicken rest after grilling to preserve its moisture and tenderness.

Keywords: grilled honey chili lime chicken, cilantro lime grilled chicken recipe, spicy honey lime chicken, grilled chicken with honey chili glaze, easy cilantro lime chicken recipe