Flavorful Spicy Honey Chicken

This spicy honey lime chicken transforms ordinary chicken thighs into a mouthwatering dish with the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. The marinade infuses the meat with an irresistible combination that caramelizes beautifully on the grill, creating a sticky glaze everyone will love.

I first made this recipe during a summer barbecue when I wanted something different from the usual grilled chicken. The combination was such a hit that it quickly became our go-to for outdoor gatherings. My neighbor once asked for the recipe three times in one evening because she couldn't believe something so flavorful could be so simple.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs create juicy, tender bites that won't dry out on the grill
• Honey provides natural sweetness and helps create that irresistible caramelization
• Fresh lime juice and zest add brightness that cuts through the richness
• Soy sauce brings umami depth that enhances the overall flavor profile
• Sriracha sauce adds customizable heat that balances the sweetness perfectly
• Fresh ginger and garlic form an aromatic base that elevates the entire dish
• Cornstarch creates a thicker glaze that clings beautifully to the chicken

How To Make Spicy Honey Lime Chicken

Prepare the marinade

Whisk together soy sauce, honey, lime zest, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, oil, sriracha and salt until thoroughly combined. The mixture should be smooth with no clumps of garlic or ginger. Reserve half of this mixture for glazing later.

Marinate the chicken

Place trimmed chicken pieces in a container or ziplock bag and pour half the marinade over them. Ensure all pieces are coated evenly by gently massaging the bag or stirring in the container. Let sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 12 hours refrigerated for deeper flavor.

Prepare the glaze

Take the reserved marinade and whisk in cornstarch. Microwave for about 60 seconds, stirring halfway through, until it thickens slightly to a glaze consistency. This step ensures the sauce will beautifully coat the chicken rather than running off.

Grill the chicken

Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, making sure to pat them dry first to prevent flare-ups. Grill over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through to 160°F. Baste with the prepared glaze during the last few minutes of cooking for maximum flavor and shine.

Rest and serve

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of freshness.

This recipe reminds me of my first trip to Southeast Asia where I fell in love with the combination of sweet, sour and spicy flavors. The fresh ginger is particularly important here. I always keep a knob in my freezer and grate it while frozen for maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can prepare the entire marinade up to 3 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. For even faster prep, cube the chicken in advance and store separately until ready to marinate. The cooked chicken skewers keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them perfect for meal prep. I often make a double batch just to have leftovers for quick lunches.

Perfect Pairings

These spicy honey lime chicken skewers pair wonderfully with coconut rice, which helps balance the heat while complementing the Asian flavors. For a complete meal, serve alongside a crisp cucumber salad dressed simply with rice vinegar and a touch of sugar. During summer months, I love serving these with grilled pineapple slices which caramelize beautifully and echo the sweet-tangy profile of the chicken.

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Maple syrup makes an excellent substitute for honey providing a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile. No fresh limes? Bottled lime juice works in a pinch though you might want to add extra zest if possible. For a soy-free version, coconut aminos create a similar savory base. The recipe also works beautifully with pork tenderloin cut into medallions, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Cooking Method Variations

While grilling imparts wonderful smoky flavor, these chicken skewers can be prepared using several different cooking methods. For year-round enjoyment, broil them on a foil-lined sheet pan about 4 inches from the heat source, turning once halfway through cooking. Alternatively, a cast iron grill pan on the stovetop creates beautiful grill marks and caramelization. For hands-off cooking, bake in a 425°F oven for about 15 minutes, brushing with glaze during the last few minutes.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this dish?

Yes, boneless chicken breasts work well as an alternative to thighs. Just be mindful that breast meat cooks faster and can dry out more easily, so you might need to reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. Check for an internal temperature of 160°F/71°C.

→ How spicy is this honey lime chicken?

With 1½ tablespoons of sriracha, the dish has a moderate kick that balances nicely with the sweetness of honey. You can easily adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the amount of sriracha according to your preference.

→ Can I make this dish without a grill?

Absolutely! The chicken can be cooked in a cast iron skillet or under a broiler. For stovetop cooking, use medium-high heat and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side. When broiling, place chicken about 6 inches from the heat source and cook for 5-6 minutes per side.

→ How long can I marinate the chicken?

You can marinate the chicken for 30 minutes at room temperature for a quick meal, or 6-12 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor. If marinating overnight, consider leaving out the lime juice and increasing the zest to prevent the acid from 'cooking' the chicken.

→ What sides pair well with this honey lime chicken?

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with coconut rice, Asian slaw, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving with grilled corn on the cob or a cucumber-avocado salad to complement the sweet and spicy flavors.

→ Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, the marinade can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes meal prep easier and allows the flavors to develop even more.