I Need a Recipe

Easy • Chicken

Oven-Baked Honey-Lime Chicken Thighs

These flavorful chicken thighs are marinated in a sweet and tangy honey-lime sauce then baked to juicy perfection.

Prep
15 min
Cook
25 min
Servings
4
Level
Easy
Oven-Baked Honey-Lime Chicken Thighs

Get ready for a flavor explosion! These Honey-Lime Chicken Thighs are incredibly easy to make and pack a serious punch of sweet, tangy, and savory notes. Marinating infuses the chicken with amazing taste, and baking keeps them perfectly juicy. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any night of the week!

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

For the Chicken

  • 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless, skinless for quicker cooking)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Honey-Lime Marinade

  • ¼ cup honey
  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice (from 2-3 limes)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

For Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using).

  2. Step 2

    Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. Place chicken in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over. Toss to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours (the longer, the better the flavor!).

  3. Step 3

    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

  4. Step 4

    Arrange chicken thighs in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side up. Discard any remaining marinade.

  5. Step 5

    Bake for 25-35 minutes for bone-in, skin-on thighs, or 20-25 minutes for boneless, skinless, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden. If you want crispier skin, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

  6. Step 6

    Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Tips

  • For a complete meal, roast some chopped bell peppers and onions alongside the chicken.
  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used, but reduce cooking time to 18-22 minutes to prevent drying out.
  • Save time by preparing the marinade the night before and letting the chicken marinate overnight.

More recipes you'll love

One-Pan Chicken and Rice Pilaf
Weeknight•50 min
One-Pan Chicken and Rice Pilaf

A deeply flavorful, comforting chicken and rice dish that cooks entirely in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.