Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure with this mouthwatering Sticky Chili Lime Chicken! Imagine tender, crispy chicken thighs glazed with a tantalizing blend of spicy chili, zesty lime, and sweet honey - a combination that promises to tantalize your senses and leave you craving more. This Mexican-inspired dish is not just a meal; it's a quick, easy, and absolutely irresistible experience that will elevate your home cooking game in just 35 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons chili sauce
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove chicken thighs from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, which ensures more even cooking.
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve crispy skin and better seasoning adherence.
- Season both sides of chicken thighs generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together chili sauce, fresh lime juice, and honey until well combined, creating a vibrant and tangy marinade.
- Preheat a large cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat, adding a small amount of cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet, cooking for 6-7 minutes until the skin becomes golden brown and crispy.
- Flip chicken thighs and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes on the other side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Pour the prepared chili-lime sauce over the chicken during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, allowing it to caramelize and create a sticky glaze.
- Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Garnish with fresh lime wedges and chopped cilantro if desired, and serve immediately with your preferred side dishes.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let your chicken sit at room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and juicier meat.
- Dry for Crispy Skin: Use paper towels to thoroughly pat the chicken dry. This critical step helps achieve that coveted golden, crispy exterior.
- High Heat is Key: Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy non-stick pan and cook at medium-high heat to get that perfect caramelization.
- Sauce Timing: Add the chili-lime glaze in the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to prevent burning and create a beautiful sticky coating.
- Rest Your Meat: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of additional lime juice just before serving!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 145mg
