Description
Juicy and flavorful grilled chicken thighs marinated in a zesty blend of fresh lime juice, honey, garlic, and smoky spices. This easy summer recipe is perfect for BBQs, meal prep, or quick weeknight dinners, delivering a sweet and tangy taste with a smoky kick.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs
Marinade
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey, minced garlic, oil, smoked paprika, ground cumin, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, tossing to coat them thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for more intense flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s properly preheated to cook the chicken evenly.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices before serving. This step ensures tender, juicy chicken.
Notes
- You can substitute boneless skinless thighs with bone-in, skin-on thighs, but they will require a longer cooking time.
- Chicken breasts can be used as an alternative if preferred.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or use short microwave bursts to avoid drying out the chicken.
- Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
