This Honey Lime Chicken is any easy sheet pan meal with a blend of juicy chicken, tangy lime, and sweet honey. It’s the perfect one pan dish to transform your weeknights meals.
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Updated February 2024
Honey Lime Chicken Recipe: A Flavorful Twist to Weeknight Dinners
Are you tired of the same old chicken recipes? This Honey Lime Chicken is a delightful twist that combines sweet and savory flavors with a hint of tanginess. Packed with mouthwatering ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this one pan recipe is a game-changer and the perfect solution to elevate your weeknight dinners to a whole new level.
Made with tender chicken, fresh lime and wholesome ingredients to suit any dietary restrictions with options whether you are following a gluten-free, dairy-free, low carb, keto, paleo or Whole30.
Ingredients: Creating a Symphony of Flavors
- Chicken Thighs (or Breasts or Drumsticks): The star of the show, providing a juicy and tender base for the dish.
For the Honey Lime Chicken Marinade:
- Coconut Aminos: Infusing that umami goodness without overpowering the other flavors. Feel free to use gluten-free tamari or low sodium soy if you’re not gluten-free or soy-free.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Adding a zesty kick that balances the sweetness of the honey. If you don’t have any limes on hand, lemon juice will work in a pinch as well.
- Honey (or Maple Syrup): A natural sweetener that caramelizes during cooking, creating a delicious glaze. Feel free to sub with date syrup, agave, a low carb or sugar-free sweetener such as sugar-free maple syrup, allulose or preferred sweetener of your choice. Omit for Whole30 or use homemade date paste or a bit of orange juice.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: Bringing a rich, nutty aroma to the dish.
- Parsley or Cilantro: A touch of freshness but feel free to skip them if you’re not a fan.
Seasonings: Crafting the Perfect Blend
- Salt, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika: These spices work together to create a harmonious flavor profile for our honey lime cilantro chicken, catering to different taste preferences.
Vegetables: Adding Color and Nutrients
- Broccoli, Asparagus, Yellow Bell Pepper: A vibrant mix that not only enhances visual appeal but also contributes essential nutrients.
Meal Prepping: Customizing Your Experience
- Side of Your Choice: Whether it’s cauliflower rice, shirataki noodles, or a wholesome grain, choose what complements your taste.
- Lunch Containers: Perfect for preparing ahead and having delicious meals ready to go.
Instructions: How to make Honey Lime Chicken
- Preheat and Prep:
- Set your oven to 400ºF and prep a baking sheet with cooking spray or parchment paper.
- Season and Drizzle:
- Lay chicken thighs on the prepared sheet, season with salt and pepper, and drizzle with a third of the honey-lime sauce.
- Lay chicken thighs on the prepared sheet, season with salt and pepper, and drizzle with a third of the honey-lime sauce.
- Bake Initial 20 Minutes:
- Bake for 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors. Meanwhile, combine the seasonings in a small bowl.
- Veggie Addition and Seasoning:
- After 20 minutes, flip the chicken, add vegetables to the sides, and sprinkle both with the seasoning mix. Drizzle with more sauce.
- Final Bake and Broil:
- Return to the oven for 10-15 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165ºF. For a golden finish, broil for 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye.
- Return to the oven for 10-15 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165ºF. For a golden finish, broil for 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye.
- Serve Hot and Garnish:
- Drizzle with remaining sauce, sprinkle cilantro or parsley if desired, and serve hot. Your culinary masterpiece is ready to be enjoyed!
Tips for Success: Mastering the Art of Baked Honey Lime Chicken
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: For an even more intense taste, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before baking.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Tailor the spice levels to your preference by reducing or omitting chili powder for a milder version.
- Temperature Check: To ensure perfect doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken—it should reach 165ºF.
- Crispier Skin Option: For a crispier chicken skin, pat the chicken dry before seasoning.
- Double Up Sauce: Prepare extra sauce to have on hand for drizzling when serving—it’s the secret to keeping the dish moist and flavorful.
Variations and Substitutions: Make It Your Own
- Vegetarian Twist: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Citrus Burst: Experiment with different citrus juices like orange or grapefruit for a citrusy twist.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne for those who love a spicy kick.
- Coconut Infusion: Substitute sesame oil with coconut oil for a subtle coconut flavor.
Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Dining Experience
- Create a Bowl: Turn it into a bowl by serving over quinoa, rice, or cauliflower rice, and top with sliced avocado and a drizzle of extra sauce.
- Taco Tuesday Twist: Shred the chick with lime and honey and use it as a flavorful filling for tacos, topping with your favorite salsa and a squeeze of lime.
- Summer Salad Delight: Serve chilled slices of the honey lime chicken thighs over a bed of mixed greens with a honey-lime vinaigrette for a refreshing summer salad or cucumber salad.
- Stir-Fry Fusion: Slice the cooked chicken and toss it into a stir-fry with your favorite veggies for a fusion-inspired dish.
Storage and Freezer Instructions: Planning Ahead for Busy Days
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain the tenderness of the chicken.
- Freezing Tips: For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers. Ensure they cool completely before freezing to preserve freshness.
- Reheating From Frozen: To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost function on your microwave before reheating.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prepping: Simplifying Your Schedule
- Prep Components in Advance: Chop vegetables and mix the seasoning ahead of time to streamline the cooking process on busy days.
- Batch Cooking: Double the recipe and freeze individual portions for quick, ready-made meals.
- Lunch Prep: Divide into lunch containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs? A: Absolutely! Adjust the cooking time to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165ºF.
Q: Can I make this recipe in an air fryer? A: Yes, you can! Preheat the air fryer, place the marinated chicken and vegetables in the basket, and cook at 375ºF for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? A: Absolutely! The flavors even intensify as it sits, making it an excellent candidate for meal prepping.
Q: Can I omit the cilantro? A: Of course! Customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences; the cilantro is optional.
More easy sheet pan recipes you will love:
- Easy Sheet Pan Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables
- Sheet Pan Hoisin Chicken and Vegetables
- Sheet Pan Teriyaki Salmon
This Honey Lime Chicken is any easy sheet pan meal with a blend of juicy chicken, tangy lime, and sweet honey. Perfect for busy weeknights.
- 6 chicken thighs , you can also or use chicken breasts or drumsticks if desired but will need to adjust the cooking time
- salt and black pepper , to taste
- 3 Tablespoons coconut aminos , feel free to use gluten-free tamari or low sodium soy sauce if you're not gluten-free / soy-free
- 2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime). If you don't have limes on hand, lemon juice will work as well.
- 1/3 cup honey , you can also sub with maple syrup or preferred sweetener of your choice such as sugar-free maple syrup, allulose etc. for a lower sugar / lower carb option.
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 Tablespoon finely chopped cilantro or parsley , you can also leave them out if you're not a fan
- 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder , leave out if preferred or sensitive to spice
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1-1/2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 lb bunch of asparagus , trimmed
- 1/3 cup of yellow bell pepper chunks
- Side of your choice: cauliflower rice , shirataki noodles, cooked Jasmine / brown rice, pasta, quinoa, farro, potatoes etc.
- 4-5 lunch containers
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Spray a large sturdy baking sheet with cooking spray or for easier clean-up, line with parchment paper or heavy-duty foil.
- Place the chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, and cilantro together. Drizzle 1/3 of the sauce over the chicken.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, combine the seasonings in a small bowl and set aside.
- After 20 minutes, remove baking pan from the oven, flip the chicken and place the asparagus, broccoli and bell peppers a long the sides of the chicken. Sprinkle the chicken and vegetables with seasonings and drizzle sauce over the vegetables and some more on the chicken (reserve 1 teaspoon for the end).
- Return the oven back to the pan and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or once the chicken is cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 165ºF. (You may want to remove the vegetables first (so they don't overcook) if the chicken is not cooked through yet, depending on your level of preference.)
- Drizzle the chicken with additional sauce and turn the oven to broil for 1-2 minutes, until the chicken has a nice brown color (watch closely so the chicken does not burn).
- Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley, if desired and serve hot.
How to store:
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain the tenderness of the chicken.
Freezing Tips: For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers. Ensure they cool completely before freezing to preserve freshness.
Reheating From Frozen: To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost function on your microwave before reheating.
Meal Prep:
Prep Components in Advance: Chop vegetables and mix the seasoning ahead of time to streamline the cooking process on busy days.
Batch Cooking: Double the recipe and freeze individual portions for quick, ready-made meals.
Lunch Prep: Divide into lunch containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
Keisy Franco -
If doing meal prep, can these meals be frozen? Up to how many days?
Thank you!