Honey-Lime Glazed Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Rice

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender grilled chicken thighs glazed with a sweet honey-lime sauce served alongside fragrant cilantro-infused rice. This latin american-inspired chicken ready in about 65 minutes pairs boneless skinless 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 480 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.

★ 4.3 (9 ratings) Prep: 40 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup honey, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs in a shallow dish and pour the honey-lime marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
  3. Step 3: While the chicken marinates, rinse 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear. Bring 3 cups water to a boil in a medium pot, add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender.
  4. Step 4: Remove the rice from heat and fluff with a fork. Stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 1 tsp lime zest for a bright finish.
  5. Step 5: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through and nicely charred.
  6. Step 6: Serve the honey-lime glazed grilled chicken hot over a bed of cilantro rice for a vibrant, balanced meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Honey-Lime Glazed Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Rice take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (40 min prep + 25 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 Grilled Chicken with Cilantro 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 Grilled Chicken with Cilantro 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 Grilled Chicken with Cilantro 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.

What goes well with Honey-Lime Glazed Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Rice?

Latin American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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