I ran into a friend at the grocery store the other day and we quickly got to talking about how we couldn’t believe it’s already August (and how crazy the weather has been because that’s what we Midwesterners do!) That said, we have got to live it UP this month! I’m talking late night deck hangs, after dinner walks, snow cones, splash pads, sidewalk chalk, Farmer’s Markets, and grilled dinners galore, including my Grilled Chili Honey Lime Chicken Thighs. You have got to try this delicious grilled chicken recipe!
Boneless skinless chicken thighs were made to be grilled. Chicken thighs are deliciously juicy and tender and are really hard to overcook on the grill, which can’t always be said for chicken breasts. I’ve had many a dry, dusty grilled chicken breast in my day, and chicken thighs aren’t even putting a toe in chalky chicken territory. Besides being delicious, this recipe is quick and easy, calls for just 5 main ingredients, and is super affordable. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are marinated in a mixture of fresh lime juice, honey, chili powder, and oil then grilled for just 2-3 minutes per side. Really! The honey in the marinade gives the chicken a beautiful charred crust, while the lime and chili powder give it a tangy kick. If you’ve never grilled chicken thighs, you must try this recipe. I handed my husband a plate with instructions to tell me what he thought and without pause he replied, “they’re grilled chicken thighs, how bad can they be?” AMEN!
Start with the simple marinade. In a small bowl whisk together 2 Tablespoons grapeseed oil or other neutral-flavored cooking oil, the juice of 2 limes, 2 Tablespoons honey, 1 Tablespoon chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Next add 1-1/4lb boneless skinless chicken thighs to a large Ziplock bag. Pour the marinade on top then seal and squish, and then place the bag in the refrigerator to marinate for 1-3 hours (any longer and the acid from the lime juice can start to break down the chicken.)
Fast forward to grilling time! Make sure your grill grates are clean then preheat the grill over high heat until it’s screaming hot. Remove the thighs from the marinade then place them onto a plate and spray each side very well with nonstick spray, as that honey is going to want to cling to the grill grates.
Grill for just 2-3 minutes a side (lid down, please!) then you’re done. How easy it that?
I like a little sauce with my grilled chicken so I strained the chili honey lime marinade into a skillet then added 3/4 cup chicken broth and boiled it until thickened and reduced, 5-7 minutes. The result is a tart and tangy drizzle that I just loved!
Flame-kissed yet tender, with tangy-sweet-heat – this chicken is so amazing. I hope you enjoy too!
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