Smoky Mesquite-Grilled Chicken with Honey Lime Glaze

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

Juicy grilled chicken breasts infused with smoky mesquite flavor and finished with a tangy honey lime glaze for a perfect balance of sweet and smoky. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs mesquite seasoning, olive oil, honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F. Pat dry 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and rub them evenly with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons mesquite seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, turning once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the edges have nice grill marks.
  3. Step 3: While the chicken grills, whisk together 3 tablespoons honey and 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice in a small bowl until smooth.
  4. Step 4: During the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush the honey lime glaze generously over each chicken breast and allow it to caramelize slightly without burning.
  5. Step 5: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in the juices and flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Mesquite-Grilled Chicken with Honey Lime Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Smoky Mesquite-Grilled Chicken with Honey Lime Glaze?

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 mesquite seasoning from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Mesquite-Grilled Chicken with Honey Lime Glaze?

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 Smoky Mesquite-Grilled Chicken with Honey Lime Glaze 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 Smoky Mesquite-Grilled Chicken with Honey Lime Glaze?

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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