When dinner needs to be quick, flavorful, and family-approved, this Stovetop Honey Lime Chicken delivers in every way. Juicy chicken thighs (or breasts) are seared until golden, then glazed in a sticky-sweet honey lime sauce with just the right kick of garlic and spice.
Made in one pan, in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu entertaining. Serve it with rice, roasted veggies, or wrap it up in tortillas for a tropical-inspired taco night!
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Honey Lime Chicken
✔️ Fast & easy – 30 minutes or less
✔️ Flavor-packed – sweet, tangy, garlicky, and just a hint spicy
✔️ Simple ingredients – pantry staples do the heavy lifting
✔️ Versatile – serve with rice, quinoa, salad, or tortillas
✔️ Family favorite – kid-friendly and dinner-party worthy
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken thighs or breasts
- Fresh lime juice & zest
- Honey
- Garlic
- Olive oil or butter
- Chili flakes or sriracha (optional, for heat)
- Salt & pepper
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
👩🍳 Tips for the Best Flavor
- Use fresh lime juice for the best zing—bottled doesn’t compare!
- Marinate if you have time. Even 15 minutes in the honey lime mix makes a difference.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Sear in batches if needed for golden brown perfection.
- Deglaze with a splash of water or broth if the pan gets sticky.
📖 Stovetop Honey Lime Chicken Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
🧂 Ingredients:
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp chili flakes or 1 tsp sriracha (optional)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or lime wedges, for garnish
🔪 Instructions:
- Prep the chicken – Pat dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Make the sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, zest, garlic, and chili flakes or sriracha (if using). Set aside.
- Sear the chicken – In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side (depending on thickness), until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make the glaze – Lower heat to medium. Add the honey lime mixture to the same skillet. Let it bubble and reduce slightly (1–2 minutes), scraping any browned bits from the pan.
- Return the chicken to the pan – Toss to coat the chicken in the sauce. Simmer for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken.
- Serve hot, garnished with cilantro and lime wedges. Enjoy with rice, quinoa, salad, or tortillas.
🍚 Serving Ideas
- Over cilantro lime rice with black beans
- With roasted sweet potatoes or sautéed veggies
- Sliced in tacos with slaw and avocado
- Chilled and diced for a honey lime chicken salad
Stovetop Honey Lime Chicken is the perfect example of how a few fresh ingredients can create bold, bright flavor in no time. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe brings a punch of sweet-tangy goodness to your table.