Honey-Lime Grilled Chicken Thighs with Cilantro

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken thighs marinated in a zesty honey-lime sauce with fresh cilantro, delivering a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. This latin american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs honey, fresh lime juice, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 Latin American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Place 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs) in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side, or until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached and the chicken has nice grill marks.
  4. Step 4: Transfer grilled chicken to a serving platter and sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Grilled Chicken Thighs with Cilantro?

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 Grilled Chicken Thighs with Cilantro?

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 Grilled Chicken Thighs with Cilantro for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Grilled Chicken Thighs with Cilantro?

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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