Chef Mitchell preparing Spicy Lime Glazed Chicken
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this recipe while experimenting with flavors in my kitchen. The combination of lime and spices creates a harmony that truly elevates chicken dishes. After perfecting the glaze, I found it to be a hit at family gatherings and dinner parties. It's now one of my go-to recipes for making any meal special."

With over a decade of experience, I specialize in Mexican cuisine and have developed numerous dinner recipes. My passion for flavors and fresh ingredients allows me to create dishes that are both authentic and innovative. I love sharing my culinary journey through my recipes.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Spicy Lime Glazed Chicken served on a plate

Why This Spicy Lime Glazed Chicken Recipe Works

The blend of lime and spices in this glaze offers a unique flavor profile that elevates simple chicken into something extraordinary. The acidity from the lime helps to tenderize the meat while infusing it with a refreshing zest. This recipe balances heat, sweetness, and savory elements perfectly, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Using fresh ingredients is key to achieving the best flavor. Marinating the chicken allows the spices to penetrate deeply, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. The baking process creates a beautiful caramelization on the chicken, resulting in a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy inside.

💡 Professional Tip

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or oregano to the marinade. Also, ensure your chicken is at room temperature before baking for more even cooking. If you want more heat, feel free to add more cayenne or even some diced jalapeños.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, which will enhance the flavors even more. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator and cook it when you're ready. This makes it a great option for meal prep or last-minute dinners.

If you need a substitute for honey, you can use agave syrup or maple syrup. Both will provide a similar sweetness with their unique flavors. Just keep in mind that the consistency of the glaze may change slightly, so adjust the quantity to your taste.

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken. Additionally, the juices should run clear, and the chicken should be golden brown on the outside.

Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken before cooking. Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it for up to 3 months. When you're ready to cook, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Cook as directed once thawed.

Spicy Lime Glazed Chicken pairs beautifully with sides like cilantro-lime rice, black beans, or a fresh corn salad. You can also serve it with grilled vegetables or tortillas for a complete meal. A light salad with a citrus vinaigrette complements the dish well.

Cooked Spicy Lime Glazed Chicken can last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating. Reheat thoroughly before serving to enjoy it again.

Yes, you can prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken ahead of time. You can also cook the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving to maintain the flavors.

To reheat the chicken, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but be cautious, as it can dry out the chicken. Adding a splash of water or broth in the covered dish can help keep it moist.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: The chicken can sometimes come out dry if overcooked.

Solution: Ensure you use a meat thermometer to check for doneness and prevent overcooking. Marinading the chicken also helps retain moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: The chicken skin may not crisp up as expected.

Solution: To achieve a crispy texture, try broiling the chicken for the last few minutes of cooking, watching closely to prevent burning.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Sometimes the chicken can be overcooked, leading to a tough texture.

Prevention: To prevent this, always monitor the cooking time carefully and use a meat thermometer for accurate reading.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: The chicken may appear cooked on the outside but remain raw inside.

Recovery: Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the chicken, and cook it longer if necessary, ensuring it's fully cooked through.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: The outside of the chicken may burn before the inside is fully cooked.

Prevention: Reduce the oven temperature slightly and cover the chicken with foil during cooking to prevent burning while allowing it to cook through.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the dish is too sweet, adding a splash of vinegar or more lime juice can help balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If it's too salty, you can serve it with a side of unsalted rice or bread to offset the saltiness.

Bland: If the chicken lacks flavor, consider adding more spices or a fresh herb garnish before serving.

Fresh ingredients for Spicy Lime Glazed Chicken

Essential Ingredients for Spicy Lime Glazed Chicken

The key ingredients in this recipe are chicken, lime juice, and spices. Each component plays a vital role in building the flavor profile. Fresh lime juice delivers acidity and zest, while honey adds sweetness to balance the heat from the spices.

Using high-quality ingredients is crucial. Opt for fresh chicken and organic limes when possible. The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the final taste of the dish, so choose wisely.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken: Choosing the right cut of chicken is essential; thighs have more fat and flavor, while breasts are leaner. You can use a whole chicken cut into pieces for variety.
  • Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is preferred over bottled for its bright, vibrant flavor. Squeeze your limes just before using for the best results.
  • Honey: Use raw or organic honey for a more robust flavor. This will enhance the sweetness and add depth to the glaze.
Cooking process for Spicy Lime Glazed Chicken

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Follow these steps to achieve perfectly cooked Spicy Lime Glazed Chicken. From marinating to baking, each step ensures that the chicken is flavorful and juicy. Precision in timing and temperature is key to delicious results.

By following the marinating instructions, you allow the chicken to absorb all the vibrant flavors. Baking at the right temperature creates a beautiful glaze while keeping the meat moist and tender.

Key Technique for Perfect Spicy Lime Glazed Chicken

The most important technique is marinating the chicken. This process allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. Ensure you marinate for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is even better for maximum flavor.

Spicy Lime Glazed Chicken

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1/4 cup lime zest
    Freshly grated
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce
    Optional for extra heat
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
    For color and flavor
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    Adds depth

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs chicken
    Cut into pieces
  • 1 cup fresh lime juice
    For marinating
  • 1/2 cup honey
    Sweetness balance
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
    For umami flavor
  • 3 cloves garlic
    Minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
    For spice
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
    Warm flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    To taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
    To taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
    For extra heat

Instructions

  1. Prepare Marinade

    In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, soy sauce, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

  2. Marinate Chicken

    Place chicken pieces in a resealable bag or dish. Pour marinade over chicken, seal, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.

  3. Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

  4. Arrange Chicken

    Remove chicken from marinade and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with olive oil.

  5. Bake Chicken

    Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.

  6. Glaze Chicken

    In the last 5 minutes of baking, brush with remaining marinade for an extra glaze.

  7. Garnish and Serve

    Remove chicken from the oven, garnish with chopped cilantro and lime slices, and serve hot.

  8. Enjoy

    Pair with your favorite sides like rice, beans, or a fresh salad.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let the chicken cool completely before refrigerating to maintain its quality.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Spicy Lime Glazed Chicken with a side of cilantro-lime rice, black beans, or a fresh corn salad for a complete meal. You can also pair it with warm tortillas or a light salad for a refreshing touch.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables to the baking sheet. Bell peppers or zucchini work well. For a vegetarian option, try using tofu or portobello mushrooms marinated in the same sauce.