Get ready to transform your ordinary chicken dinner into a mouthwatering culinary experience that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds! This Honey Lime Chicken Breast recipe is not just another bland protein dish – it's a perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that will elevate your home cooking game to restaurant-quality in just 25 minutes. Whether you're a busy home cook or a weekend culinary enthusiast, this recipe promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade by combining honey, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a medium mixing bowl. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the marinade adhere better and promotes better browning.
- Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 15-30 minutes. For more intense flavor, you can marinate up to 2 hours, but avoid marinating longer to prevent the lime juice from breaking down the chicken's proteins.
- Preheat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using a skillet, add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Reserve the remaining marinade for basting.
- Cook the chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste occasionally with reserved marinade during cooking.
- Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- Slice and serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh lime wedges and chopped cilantro for added flavor.
Tips
- Patting the chicken dry is crucial – this simple step ensures better marinade absorption and creates a beautiful golden-brown exterior when cooking.
- Don't over-marinate! Lime juice can start breaking down chicken proteins if left too long, so stick to the 15-30 minute sweet spot.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken – 165°F (74°C) is your magic number for safe and juicy results.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to redistribute those delicious juices, preventing dry, tough meat.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime right before serving to brighten the dish.
- If you prefer grilling, this marinade works wonderfully on an outdoor grill – just adjust cooking times slightly and watch for flare-ups.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 90mg
