Grilled Honey Lime Chicken Thighs with Citrus Glaze

These honey lime grilled chicken thighs are perfect for grilling season. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are marinated with honey, garlic, plenty of lime juice and spices, then seared on the grill and finished with a bright honey-lime sauce.

Summer is an excellent time for grilling: longer days, fresh produce and easy outdoor meals. These honey lime grilled chicken thighs capture that summer spirit—sweet from honey, zesty from lime, aromatic from garlic and cilantro, and lightly smoky from the grill. They’re an easy, flavorful main that scales well for family dinners and backyard gatherings.

Ingredients to Make Honey Lime Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best texture and quicker cooking time.

Olive oil: About 2 tablespoons to help the marinade coat and tenderize the meat.

Honey: 1/4 cup total—most for the marinade, a small portion reserved for the finishing sauce.

Lime juice: Fresh lime juice delivers the brightest flavor. You’ll need roughly 1/4 cup for the marinade plus a bit more for the sauce.

Garlic: Three cloves, minced, add savory depth.

Cilantro: Use leaves and some tender stems for maximum citrus-herb flavor.

Spices: Smoked paprika, cumin, salt and black pepper round out the marinade and enhance the grilled smokiness.

How to Grill Honey Lime Chicken Thighs

1. Make the marinade: In a large bowl whisk together lime juice, honey, minced garlic, olive oil, chopped cilantro, smoked paprika, cumin, salt and pepper until combined. Add the chicken thighs, turn to coat, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight for best flavor.
2. Prepare the honey-lime sauce: Set aside about 1 tablespoon of honey, 2 tablespoons lime juice and a tablespoon of finely chopped cilantro. Whisk together and keep refrigerated until ready to serve. If you like more sauce, double these amounts.
3. Grill the chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Remove the thighs from the marinade, let excess drip off, and place them directly on the hot grill. Cook 5–6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the outside has nice color and slight char.
4. Serve: Transfer the cooked thighs to a platter and let rest briefly. Drizzle with the honey-lime sauce and garnish with additional chopped cilantro and lime wedges if desired. Serve immediately.

These grilled chicken thighs are ideal for summer barbecues and cookouts—sweet, savory and bright, they pair well with a wide variety of side dishes.

Serving Suggestions

These honey lime grilled chicken thighs work especially well with light, fresh and summery sides. Try one of the following or pair with your favorite salad or grain:

• Mexican-style street corn and kale salad
• Grilled asparagus salad with feta
• Summer corn salad with avocado
• Crispy chili smashed potatoes with avocado chimichurri
• Black bean, mango and avocado salad

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breast instead? Yes. Chicken breast can be used but will typically need longer on the grill because it’s thicker. Watch the temperature to avoid drying out the breast meat.
• How long should I marinate the thighs? The longer the marinate time, the more pronounced the flavor. Aim for at least 2 hours and up to overnight for best results.
• No smoked paprika—what’s a substitute? Regular paprika will work fine. Smoked paprika adds an extra smoky note that complements the grill, but it’s not mandatory.

Why you’ll love this grilled chicken recipe

• An easy summer dinner: Grilling is quick and yields great flavor with minimal cleanup.
• Full of balanced flavor: Sweet honey, bright lime and savory spices create a pleasing, layered taste.
• Great for beginners: Thighs are forgiving and stay juicy even if slightly overcooked, making them ideal for novice grillers.

Made one of my recipes? Tag my Instagram handle @kalefornia_kravings and leave a comment—I’d love to see your results!

Honey Lime Grilled Chicken Thighs

Prep Time: 15 mins • Cook Time: 12 mins • Total Time: 27 mins

Servings: 4 • Author: Caitlin

Keywords: chicken recipes, grilled chicken thighs, grilling recipes, honey lime

Ingredients

For the grilled chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• ¼ cup lime juice (fresh)
• 3 Tbsp honey
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp cilantro, chopped
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the honey-lime sauce:

• 2 Tbsp lime juice
• 1 Tbsp honey
• 1 Tbsp cilantro, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Make the marinade: Combine lime juice, honey, garlic, olive oil, cilantro, smoked paprika, cumin, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add the chicken, toss to coat, cover and marinate 2 hours to overnight.
2. Make the sauce: Whisk together the sauce ingredients and set aside in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
3. Grill the chicken: Preheat grill to medium-high and oil the grates. Remove chicken from the marinade and grill 5–6 minutes per side or until an internal thermometer reads 165°F (74°C).
4. To serve: Let the chicken rest briefly, then drizzle with the honey-lime sauce and garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges if desired.

Notes

If you like more sauce, double the honey-lime sauce quantities. Marinating longer yields deeper flavor.

More easy chicken recipes you might like

• Lemon Oregano Chicken with Mediterranean-Style Salsa
• Roasted Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce
• Grilled Huli Huli Chicken with Pineapple
• Apple & Brie Stuffed Chicken Breast