This Chili Lime Chicken is a bold and zesty grilled dish that combines juicy chicken thighs with the tang of fresh lime juice, a bit of heat from jalapeños, and aromatic cilantro and garlic. The result is a smoky, citrusy marinade that infuses deep flavor into every bite. Whether grilled outdoors or baked in the oven, this dish is perfect for BBQ nights, healthy meal prep, or quick weeknight dinners.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2–2½ lbs (900g–1.1kg) skin-on chicken thighs, bones removed
  For the Marinade:

• ½ cup fresh lime juice

• 3 tsp lime zest

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 4 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped

• 2 jalapeños, finely chopped

• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 1 tbsp honey

• 2 tsp salt

• 1 tsp chili powder (or to taste)

Directions

1. Rinse chicken thighs, remove the bones (keep the skin), and pat dry.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, zest, olive oil, cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, honey, salt, and chili powder.

3. Add chicken to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate for at least 2 hours.

4. Grill Method: Preheat grill and lightly oil the surface. Grill chicken over medium heat, turning as needed, until skin is golden and slightly charred and internal temp reaches 165°F (about 6–8 minutes per side).

5. Oven Method: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place marinated chicken on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.

6. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately.

Nutrients (Per serving, based on 6 servings)

• Calories: 515 kcal

• Protein: 31g

• Fat: 40g

• Saturated Fat: 10g

• Carbohydrates: 6g

• Sugar: 3g

• Fiber: 0.4g

• Cholesterol: 185mg

• Sodium: 928mg

• Potassium: 442mg

• Vitamin A: 325 IU

• Vitamin C: 13mg

• Calcium: 25mg

• Iron: 1mg

What Makes Chili Lime Chicken So Irresistible

There’s something universally appealing about the flavor combination of lime, chili, and garlic. It’s commonly found in cuisines ranging from Mexican to Thai, because it speaks to the human palate’s love for balance: spice from the chili, acidity from the lime, depth from garlic, and a little sweetness from honey. This harmony is what makes Chili Lime Chicken such a crowd-pleaser.

Chicken thighs, in particular, are ideal for this recipe because of their natural richness and juiciness. They retain moisture well and hold up to high-heat cooking methods like grilling. The skin, when left on, crisps up beautifully, providing texture and extra flavor. Plus, thighs are often more budget-friendly than other cuts, making this dish a win for both flavor and practicality.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Chili Lime Chicken is wonderfully flexible. It’s casual enough for weeknight family meals and festive enough for cookouts, potlucks, or even meal prep lunches. Serve it alongside fresh corn salad, avocado slices, or a warm rice pilaf for a satisfying dinner. It also works brilliantly sliced over salads, stuffed into tortillas, or even served cold for picnics.

During summer months, grilling the chicken gives it that smoky char that pairs so well with lime and jalapeño. But in cooler seasons or rainy days, you can bake it in the oven with excellent results. It’s reliable, accessible, and bursting with flavor—qualities that every good go-to recipe should have.

Tips for Best Flavor and Juiciness

To get the most out of this dish, marinate the chicken for at least two hours. However, if you can give it overnight in the fridge, the flavors will deepen and the chicken will become even more tender. Be sure not to skip the zesting step—lime zest adds fragrant oils that boost the citrus flavor far more than juice alone.

Don’t overcrowd your grill or pan. Giving the chicken space allows it to sear properly rather than steam. If baking, placing the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet helps keep the skin crisp. Lastly, let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist, tender bites every time.

How to Serve Chili Lime Chicken

This recipe shines brightest when served with accompaniments that complement its bold flavors. A light cucumber or mango salsa adds cooling freshness. You can also go hearty with cilantro-lime rice or roasted vegetables. For a low-carb meal, pair it with cauliflower rice, a green salad, or sautéed greens.

It’s also a fantastic protein choice for meal prepping. The chicken holds up well in the fridge and can be eaten cold or reheated. Make extra, and you’ll have flavorful lunches ready to go all week long. Slice it into wraps, toss it with greens, or enjoy it as-is with some extra lime squeezed on top.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons Chili Lime Chicken earns a permanent place in your recipe rotation. First and foremost, it’s packed with flavor but made from everyday ingredients. It doesn’t require fancy cooking skills, and the steps are simple—mix the marinade, let it soak, and cook.

It’s also a healthy option. Despite its richness and big flavor, this dish is low in carbs, high in protein, and filled with anti-inflammatory ingredients like garlic and chili. The olive oil provides healthy fats, and the fresh herbs and citrus add essential vitamins. Plus, it’s adaptable: make it spicier by using serrano peppers or tone it down for kids by omitting the seeds in the jalapeños.

Most importantly, it’s the kind of recipe that makes people come back for seconds. The tangy, spicy marinade has universal appeal, and because it’s easy to scale up, you can make it for two people or twenty with little extra effort.

Health Benefits of the Key Ingredients

This dish is more than just delicious—it’s nutritious too. Lime juice is rich in vitamin C, which boosts immunity and aids digestion. Garlic is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Cilantro contains antioxidants and can help remove heavy metals from the body. Jalapeños offer a small metabolism boost thanks to capsaicin, and olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

Even though it feels indulgent with crispy skin and a rich marinade, Chili Lime Chicken can easily be part of a balanced diet. It’s naturally gluten-free, low in sugar, and can be adjusted to fit low-carb or keto lifestyles.

Customizing the Spice Level

Spice lovers will appreciate the heat from the jalapeños and chili powder. But this recipe is easily adjustable for different palates. To tone it down, simply remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before chopping, or use fewer peppers. You can also swap in mild green chilies or even bell pepper for flavor without heat.

If you want to turn up the heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade. The recipe is a fantastic base that allows for personalization without compromising the delicious balance of flavors.

Conclusion

Chili Lime Chicken is more than just a dinner—it’s an experience that brings people together over great food. Whether you’re firing up the grill in summer or roasting in the oven during cooler months, the result is always the same: juicy, flavor-packed chicken with the perfect blend of citrus, spice, and savory depth.

It’s a recipe that’s easy enough for weeknights, impressive enough for gatherings, and versatile enough to use in countless ways. From tacos and salads to rice bowls and wraps, this chicken does it all. Best of all, it delivers bold flavor without demanding a ton of time in the kitchen. Add this recipe to your rotation and let your tastebuds travel to a place where zest and spice rule the plate.