Can I make this recipe with chicken wings or drumsticks?

Yes! This marinade works just as beautifully on wings or drumsticks as it does on chicken thighs or breasts. For wings, increase the cook time to about 25 minutes, and for drumsticks, expect closer to 30–35 minutes depending on thickness. Just be sure to baste often and use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temp hits 165°F (74°C) .

Can I substitute maple syrup for honey?

Definitely. Maple syrup offers a richer, earthier sweetness that pairs wonderfully with lime and spice. While the glaze won’t be quite as sticky as it is with honey, it will still have a gorgeous shine and deep flavor. Go for pure maple syrup for best results, not pancake syrup.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the best balance of flavor and texture, aim for 30 minutes to 6 hours . If you're going for an overnight marinate, we recommend omitting the lime juice and doubling the zest to prevent the citrus from breaking down the meat. Too much acid for too long can make the chicken mushy.

Is this spicy honey lime chicken recipe kid-friendly?

It absolutely can be! Simply reduce the Sriracha to ½ tablespoon or swap it out entirely for a milder sauce like sweet chili or even ketchup mixed with a dash of hot sauce. The lime and honey still shine through, so the flavor remains balanced and enjoyable for all ages.

Can I bake instead of grill this chicken?

Yes! If you don’t have access to a grill—or just prefer oven cooking—you can easily bake the spicy honey lime chicken . Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), place the chicken pieces on a lined baking tray, and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Baste with the reserved glaze near the end for maximum flavor.

How do I thicken the glaze without cornstarch?

No cornstarch? No problem. Just pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and simmer it gently over medium-low heat until it reduces and thickens naturally. This will take about 5–7 minutes. Keep an eye on it and stir frequently to prevent burning, especially because of the honey content.

Spicy Honey Lime Chicken – The 30-Minute Meal That’s Full of Kick

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Author: Maria
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Fusion
Diet: Halal

Description

Spicy Honey Lime Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that features juicy grilled or pan-seared chicken glazed with a sweet, tangy, and spicy marinade made from honey, lime juice, and chili flakes—perfect for a vibrant weeknight dinner or weekend cookout.

Ingredients

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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
Zest and juice of 2 limes
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon chili flakes (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh chopped cilantro, for garnish
Lime wedges, for serving

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Instructions

In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, olive oil, lime zest and juice, garlic, chili flakes, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Place the chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 6–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and nicely charred.
Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

Reserve some marinade (before adding raw chicken) for a glaze or dipping sauce.
Thighs will stay juicier than breasts—use your preferred cut.
Add extra chili flakes or hot sauce if you like more heat.
Pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a fresh slaw.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 piece
Calories: 305
Sugar: 11g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Find it online: https://cooktune.com/spicy-honey-lime-chicken/