Honey-Lime Glazed Chicken with Crispy Lemon Rice
Tender chicken thighs bathed in a sweet-tart honey-lime glaze, served atop fragrant lemon-infused rice for a restaurant-worthy weeknight meal. This asian-inspired chicken (gluten-free) ready in about 55 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, honey, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1.25 cups water
- 1 tsp fresh lime zest
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 1.5 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken skin-side down and cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy, then flip and cook for 5 minutes more. Transfer to a plate.
- Step 3: While chicken cooks, combine 3 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1 tbsp soy sauce in a small bowl. Brush half over chicken, then return to skillet. Bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, rinse 1 cup jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rice, 1.25 cups water, and 1 tsp lime zest in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed.
- Step 5: Fluff rice with a fork, stir in 1 tbsp butter, and top with 2 tbsp chopped cilantro. Slice rested chicken, drizzle with remaining glaze, and serve over rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Honey-Lime Glazed Chicken with Crispy Lemon Rice take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Honey-Lime Glazed Chicken with Crispy Lemon Rice?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep honey from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Lime Glazed Chicken with Crispy Lemon Rice?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Honey-Lime Glazed Chicken with Crispy Lemon Rice for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Honey-Lime Glazed Chicken with Crispy Lemon Rice gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★★
Perfect chicken recipe for a weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.