Grilled Honey Lime Cilantro Chicken Thighs

This grilled honey lime cilantro chicken is made for summer nights. It’s fresh, a little sweet, a little tangy, and packed with flavor. I make this on repeat when I need something easy that still feels like a real dinner.

A plate of grilled honey lime cilantro chicken garnished with cilantro and limes.

Why This Recipe Belongs on Repeat

Always Hits The Spot: The marinade does all the work. Just a quick mix, a little time to soak, and you’ve got juicy, flavorful chicken every time.
Amazing Fresh Flavor: It’s fresh, flavorful, and perfectly balanced with sweet honey, bright lime, and herby cilantro.
So Versatile! Slice it over rice bowls, tuck it into tacos, pile it onto salads, or serve it straight off the grill with your favorite sides.

A Reader’s Review

I’ve made this recipe multiple times for family gatherings. I’ve been asked for this recipe by 4 people because it is so so good. I literally follow it to the T. No adjustments needed. Thanks for the recipe!!

Lori

Honey Lime Chicken Thighs Ingredients

Add some spice! Add diced jalapenos or ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
Lime Juice: I prefer fresh lime juice for the best flavor, but you can use bottled if you’d like!
Lime Zest: Adding 1-2 teaspoons of fresh lime zest will really punch up the lime flavor of the marinade.
Substitute for Soy Sauce: You may use coconut aminos or even Worcestershire sauce.
If using chicken breasts: Pound the chicken until it is an even thickness, or butterflying the breasts in two for more even cooking.
For bone-in chicken thighs: Sear skin-side down for 4-5 minutes, then flip and grill over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Grilled Honey Lime Cilantro Chicken Recipe

This grilled honey lime cilantro chicken recipe is one of those easy dinners that feels a little special. I love serving it with cilantro lime rice, grilled corn, and some simple guacamole.

Make Marinade: Combine lime juice, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, cilantro, salt, and black pepper in a large ziplock bag or large bowl. Reserve ¼ cup of the marinade if you want sauce for your chicken after it has cooked. *Never use marinade that raw chicken has been in.
Marinate: Add skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring all of the chicken is coated, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight.
Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken on each side for about 3-4 minutes, until it reaches an internal temperature of 155°F and is no longer pink. Tent with foil and let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

All of the marinade ingredients added to a zip lock bag.

Chicken thighs added to the marinade in the bag and sealed closed.

Alyssa’s Pro Tip

Marinating Time: The lime and soy sauce help tenderize the chicken and lock in flavor. Marinate at least 3 hours, or up to 24 hours for the best results.

Alternative Cooking Instructions

In the Oven:
1. Add: Add marinated chicken to a baking dish.
2. Bake: Bake uncovered at 375° for 25-30 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
3. Rest: Let the chicken rest before serving.

Stove Top: Follow my skillet honey lime chicken recipe.

Grilled Honey Lime Cilantro Chicken

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Perfectly grilled tender and juicy chicken marinated in a honey lime cilantro marinade. The flavor of this chicken is incredible!

Course Dinner, entree, main, Main Course, main dish

Cuisine American

Keyword chicken marinade, chicken marinade recipe, cilantro lime chicken, grilled chicken, grilled honey lime chicken, grilled honey lime cilantro chicken, grilled honey lime cilantro chicken recipe, honey lime chicken, honey lime chicken marinade, honey lime cilantro chicken, honey lime cilantro marinade

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Servings Servings

Calories 295kcal

Author Alyssa Rivers

Equipment

Grill

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
¼ cup fresh lime juice about 2-3 limes
½ cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons minced garlic about 2 cloves
½ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

Combine ¼ cup fresh lime juice, ½ cup honey, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, ½ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper in a large ziplock bag or large bowl.
Add 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring all of the chicken is coated. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken on each side for about 3-4 minutes, until it reaches an internal temeprature of 155 degrees Fahrenheit and is no longer pink.
Tent with foil and let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Video

Notes

Leftover, Reheat, and Make Ahead Instructions

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat: Microwave in 30 second intervals until warmed through.
Freezer: Freeze chicken in the marinade for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before grilling. Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Make Ahead: You can marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Store in an airtight container or ziplock bag. Avoid stainless steel and other metal containers.

Nutrition

My Favorite Grilling Recipes

From grilling fruits, vegetables to meats, there is a recipe for that! Whether it’s for a backyard BBQ with friends or family, or a big picnic, I’ve got you covered.