Crispy Honey Garlic Lime Chicken Thighs: A Flavor Explosion

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These Honey Garlic Lime Chicken Thighs are tender and juicy inside with seasoned and pan-seared skin – perfect for lunch or dinner alongside cilantro lime rice, corn on the cob, or a light salad.

The use of chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts guarantees a serving of super moist and favorful meat that’s also more cost effective!

Once pan-seared, the chicken thighs are then roasted in a mixture of freshly minced garlic combined with tangy lime juice and zest, soaking up these summer-inspired flavors and ready to be enjoyed with your favorite side dishes.

Four chicken thighs baked with lime-garlic marinade on a white plate and sprinkled with chopped cilantro. — Brace yourself for a culinary masterpiece — our Tantalizing Garlic Lime Marinated crispy Chicken Thighs take your palate on an unforgettable journey of flavors, leaving you in awe of its deliciousness!

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🗝️ Recipe’s key points

Chicken thighs are usually more budget-friendly than other cuts of chicken and are also very juicy and moist.
Make this tasty garlic-lime chicken in just 30 minutes – perfect for a busy midweek family dinner or those lazy weekends.
Pair these chicken thighs with an endless options of side dishes to suit your preferences.

These garlic-lime chicken thighs are packed with juicy flavor, ready to be enjoyed for lunch or dinner with your favorite type of grain, side salad, crusty bread, or roasted veggies!

🛒 Ingredients

This is an overview of the ingredients. You’ll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.

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Chicken thighs: This recipe calls for ample-sized, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, which ensures everyone has a satisfying portion.
Garlic: This recipe uses two types of garlic: garlic powder and fresh garlic. The garlic powder season the chicken thighs, adding flavor to the meat without burning in the sauté, while the minced garlic flavors the sauce.
Fresh limes: We use the juice and zest from the limes to give the sauce a tart, bright flavor.
Honey: The sweetness is just enough to balance the acidity of the marinade.
Cilantro: Gives the chicken that extra pop of flavor.

🗒 Instructions

This is an overview of the instructions. Full instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

This is a collage of the first four steps to preparing and starting the recipe for the chicken thighs, Marinated with honey, lime, and garlic.

Place a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F. While the oven preheats, place the chicken things on a sheet of parchment paper and pat then dry with clean paper towels.
Season the thighs with kosher salt and garlic powder.
Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in an oven-safe large skillet.
Sear the thighs over medium heat until the skin is golden-brown, about 12 minutes.

The second collage features steps five through eight for making the baked marinated chicken thighs.

In the meantime, mince the garlic cloves and add it to a small bowl. Finely grate the zest from 1 medium lime and add it to the same bowl.
Juice 1 ½ medium limes to get about ¼ cup of freshly squeezed lime juice. Add the lime juice to the small bowl. Add ½ cup of water.
Add 2 teaspoons of honey to the small bowl.
Whisk the mixture to combine.

The third collage features the final four steps to baking and finishing the marinated bone-in chicken thighs.

Turn off the heat and transfer the chicken skin-side up to a plate. Pour out about 1 tablespoon of fat from the pan. Pour the lime juice mixture into the pan.
Scrape any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon.
Return the chicken to the skillet skin-side up and transfer the skillet to the oven. Spoon some of the sauce in the skillet over the chicken halfway through. Cook the chicken until it registers an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (about 10-12 minutes).
Cut the remaining ½ lime into 4 wedges. Add finely chopped cilantro or parsley to the chicken with freshly ground black pepper and serve.

🥫 Storage

Store leftover garlic lime chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheat leftover garlic lime chicken thighs by pouring water or chicken broth into a baking dish and reheating the chicken thighs, covered with aluminum foil, at 350 degrees F in the oven.

📚 Variations

Use skin-on chicken breast or skin-one bone-in chicken drumsticks and wings instead of chicken thighs.
Add paprika (regular or smoked), crushed red chili pepper, or cayenne pepper to the seasoning of the chicken thighs for a kick of heat.
Use skinless chicken if you prefer to reduce the fat content in this dish. Keep in mind that this can result in the chicken drying out faster, in which case you may want to cover the skinless thighs with aluminum foil while it roasts.
Use lemon zest and juice instead of lime, if you prefer.

A black cast iron skillet holds the four garlic-lime marinated and baked chicken thighs topped with chopped cilantro. — The citrus marinade not only adds flavor while the chicken thighs are cooking but also makes a delicious sauce when serving the dish.

👩🏻‍🍳 Tips

Keep a close watch on the chicken thighs when you sear them in the heated skillet. The skin should be golden-brown, not black, and the thighs should be easy to release from the skillet.
Scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet will intensify the flavor of the garlic-lime sauce and help prevent bits from burning.
Make sure to pat the chicken thighs with clean paper towels before seasoning to prevent soggy skin and promote a crispy pan-seared finish.
Make sure to use a large enough skillet so that the chicken thighs are not overcrowded.

🤔 FAQs

Is this dish an Italian dish?

While inspired by Italian flavors, this Garlic Lime-Marinated Chicken Thighs recipe has been crafted with a touch of Southwest American influence. It features a sprinkle of cilantro for a unique twist.

Can I substitute the cilantro with other herbs?

Feel free to personalize the dish using herbs like parsley or basil if you prefer a different flavor profile.

How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?

For this recipe, you’re baking the chicken in the marinade, and that is enough time to finish and flavor the chicken.

What sides pair well with Garlic Lime Marinated Chicken Thighs?

Complement this dish with classic American sides such as corn on the cob, cilantro lime rice, or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Can this recipe be adapted for grilling outdoors?

Absolutely! You can grill the marinated chicken thighs for a smoky flavor, perfect for a summer barbecue or outdoor gathering. First, marinate the chicken thighs in the marinade for at least 30 minutes, then grill the chicken. Discard the marinade after you remove the chicken and grill it.

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A white serving plate holds four oven-baked chicken thighs topped with lime garlic sauce and cilantro. — The lime not only tenderizes the chicken but also imparts a tangy flavor. It’s the secret to the chicken’s irresistible taste.

🍽 What to serve with (name of recipe)

Serve these garlic lime chicken thighs with an array of side dishes. Some of my favorites include creamy coleslaw, cilantro lime rice, Mexican-inspired pasta salad, corn on the cob, or cornbread.

🔪 All Our Way recommends the following

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A side view of the cooked chicken thigh shows how moist and tender the meat is inside as the chicken was marinated in the garlic-lime marinade. — Searing and baking the chicken thighs in the same pan allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

📞 Chiacchierata (chat)

One-pan dishes are a staple in Italy. They’re simple and full of flavor. There aren’t any complicated ingredients here.

Let me just say, you HAVE to try this Garlic Lime Marinated Chicken Thighs recipe – it’s a game-changer!

Trust me, my friend, the flavors are out of this world and it’s become a staple in our family dinners. Imagine serving your family juicy chicken, crispy skin, and that zesty lime kick – it’s pure magic on a plate.

So, let’s grab our grembiule (apron), whip up an out-of-this-world chicken dinner, and indulge in a taste sensation that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. I can’t wait for you to experience this mouthwatering delight with me! Be sure to let met know what you think

Cheers to good food and great times ahead!

Tutti a tavolo, è pronto!

A serving of a crispy garlic lime chicken thigh with a helping of cilantro rice. — This garlic lime chicken is a showstopper on its own, but pairing it with lime cilantro rice elevates he meal to new heights.

If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.

📖 Recipe