When I first made these baked honey lime chicken thighs, I was floored by how easy and delicious they turned out. The juicy chicken, coated in the sweet and tangy honey-lime glaze, was an instant hit.
It’s now my go-to recipe on busy evenings when I want something quick yet mouthwatering. Trust me, with just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll be savoring a restaurant-worthy meal right at home!
Credit: bake-eat-repeat
Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 6-8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Why: Keeps the meat juicy while yielding crispy skin. - 4 tablespoons olive oil
Acts as the base for the marinade and helps the skin crisp up in the oven. - 2 tablespoons honey
Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the tangy lime. - 2 limes, juiced
Fresh lime juice brings out a zesty, bold flavor. - 4 cloves garlic, minced
Garlic adds depth and a slightly spicy kick. - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Seasoning that highlights all the flavors beautifully. - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
Aromatic herb that pairs perfectly with honey and lime.
Note: This recipe serves approximately 4 people, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week.
Variations
Here’s how you can tweak this recipe to cater to dietary preferences or boost flavors:
- Sugar-Free: Replace honey with sugar-free maple syrup for a low-carb version.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Use avocado oil in place of olive oil for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or a dash of cayenne for some heat.
- Herbal Twist: Substitute thyme with rosemary or oregano depending on what you have on hand.
Feel free to play around with these options to make the recipe uniquely yours! For more hearty and comforting dishes, check out this crack chicken soup recipe.
Cooking Time
Here’s how much time you’ll need to prepare this dish:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
- Marinating Time: 45-60 minutes
- Total Time: About 1.5 hours
You’re looking at just five minutes of hands-on work, which leaves plenty of time to relax while the chicken bakes.
Equipment You Need
Here’s the equipment I use to make this recipe and how it helps:
- Large Baking Dish – Perfect for holding the chicken and marinade.
- Small Whisk or Fork – To mix the marinade evenly.
- Sharp Knife – For juicing the limes and mincing garlic.
- Garlic Press (optional) – Makes quick work of garlic cloves.
- Measuring Spoons – Ensures precise ingredient measurements.
With these tools, you’re all set.
How to Make Baked Honey Lime Chicken Thighs?
This recipe’s magic lies in its simplicity. Here’s how to bring it to life:
Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together olive oil, honey, freshly squeezed lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and thyme in a large baking dish. The marinade’s vibrant aroma is a sneak preview of the delicious meal to come.
Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken thighs to the dish, turning them over several times to soak up the zesty, sweet marinade. Lay them skin side up, cover tightly, and refrigerate for 45-60 minutes. Not only does marinating enhance flavor, but it also keeps the chicken juicy and tender.
Bake the Chicken
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and uncover it. Place the dish on the center rack and roast for 40-45 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden brown color, with the chicken cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Optional Broil for Crispy Skin
If you prefer extra-crispy skin, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
Once done, take the chicken out of the oven, and voilà ! Dinner is ready.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
From my experience, here are a few tips to take this recipe to the next level:
- Don’t Skip the Marinating
Even a quick 45-minute soak ensures flavorful and juicy chicken. - Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh lime juice and garlic deliver the best flavor compared to store-bought alternatives. - Crisp the Skin
If the skin isn’t crispy enough for your liking, broil it briefly. It makes all the difference! - Choose High-Quality Chicken
Organic, bone-in thighs yield the best results in terms of texture and flavor. - Avoid Over-Marinating
The acidity from the lime can break down meat if marinated too long, leading to an unpleasant texture.
Follow these tricks to make your dish downright irresistible. For a different take on flavors, you might enjoy this creamy tomato lobster linguine with garlic breadcrumbs.
How to Serve Baked Honey Lime Chicken Thighs?
Presentation matters as much as taste! Here’s how I like to serve this dish:
- Pair with Sides
Serve it alongside honey baked beans for a sweet complement, or mix up a crisp cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. - Add Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh thyme or finely chopped parsley on top for a touch of color. Lime wedges on the side are perfect for an extra tangy squeeze. - Plate It Right
Use colorful plates and arrange the chicken with sides for an inviting look.
Simple additions like these make dinner feel extra special.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’re getting in every serving:
- Calories: About 209
- Protein: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fat: 12 g
A balanced, satisfying meal with wholesome ingredients.
Make Ahead and Storage
This recipe is great for meal prep or storing leftovers. Here’s how:
Storing in the Refrigerator
Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
Freezing for Later
Place the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag, ensuring as much air as possible is sealed out. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating Instructions
Thaw frozen chicken in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in short 30-second bursts.
It’s that easy to enjoy this recipe anytime.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
There’s a lot to love about these baked honey lime chicken thighs! Here’s why:
- Simple and Quick: Only 5 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Full of Flavor: The honey and lime combo is a match made in heaven.
- Versatile Pairings: Goes well with a variety of sides, from salads to beans.
- Customizable: Adapt it to suit dietary needs or spice preferences.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Stores well and tastes just as good reheated.
This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your weekly dinner rotation.
Enjoy making (and eating) these baked honey lime chicken thighs! It’s an easy, flavorful dish that delivers every time. You can also enjoy similar chicken recipes for more inspiration.
Baked Honey Lime Chicken Thighs Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by whisking together olive oil, honey, freshly squeezed lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and thyme in a large baking dish. The marinade’s vibrant aroma is a sneak preview of the delicious meal to come.
- Add the chicken thighs to the dish, turning them over several times to soak up the zesty, sweet marinade. Lay them skin side up, cover tightly, and refrigerate for 45-60 minutes. Not only does marinating enhance flavor, but it also keeps the chicken juicy and tender.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and uncover it. Place the dish on the center rack and roast for 40-45 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden brown color, with the chicken cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- If you prefer extra-crispy skin, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
- Once done, take the chicken out of the oven, and voilà ! Dinner is ready.
Notes
- Don’t Skip the Marinating: Even a quick 45-minute soak ensures flavorful and juicy chicken.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lime juice and garlic deliver the best flavor compared to store-bought alternatives.
- Crisp the Skin: If the skin isn’t crispy enough for your liking, broil it briefly. It makes all the difference!
- Choose High-Quality Chicken: Organic, bone-in thighs yield the best results in terms of texture and flavor.
- Avoid Over-Marinating: The acidity from the lime can break down meat if marinated too long, leading to an unpleasant texture.
