Quick Honey Lime Chicken Recipe 20-Minute Easy Zesty Dinner
A quick and easy honey lime chicken recipe that delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, ready in under 20 minutes. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners, this dish features juicy chicken breasts glazed with a honey lime sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g)
- 3 tablespoons honey (raw or wildflower preferred)
- Juice from 2 medium limes (about 1/4 cup or 60 ml)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
- Salt to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper (about 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper).
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes if using. Set aside.
- Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes.
- Place chicken breasts flat in the skillet. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and releases easily from the pan. Flip and cook the other side for 4 minutes.
- Pour the honey lime sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the sauce bubble gently, spooning it over the chicken as it cooks for 4-5 more minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the chicken.
- Check doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) or juices run clear.
- Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 3 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
Pat chicken dry to ensure a good sear. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Use fresh lime juice for best flavor. Control heat to avoid burning honey. Let chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if sauce thickens too much.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 6 ounces (170
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 38
Keywords: honey lime chicken, quick chicken recipe, easy dinner, weeknight meal, honey lime sauce, healthy chicken, gluten-free chicken