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Ready for a flavor-packed weeknight dinner? Chili Lime Chicken combines juicy chicken breasts with a zesty homemade sauce that’s spicy, tangy, and just a little sweet. Perfect for busy cooks, this recipe is a hit for baked chicken recipes, shredded chicken creations, or quick dinner ideas. Serve with steamed rice and naan for a complete meal everyone will love.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Fast and easy prep; ready in under 45 minutes
- Bold, fresh flavor from lime, chili, and honey
- Versatile: use breasts or thighs, bake, shred, or serve whole
- Pairs beautifully with steamed rice or naan
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious recipe:
| Ingredient | Amount | |
|---|---|---|
| Small boneless chicken breasts or thighs | 2 pounds | |
| Garlic, chopped | 4 cloves | |
| Smoked paprika | 2 teaspoons | |
| Cumin | 2 teaspoons | |
| Salt and black pepper | to taste | |
| Cold, salted butter, sliced | 2 tablespoons | |
| Steamed rice and naan for serving | as needed | |
| Fresh basil | 1/2 cup |
Chili Lime Sauce Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes/Links |
|---|---|---|
| Salted butter | 4 tablespoons | |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon | |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon | |
| Cayenne pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Chipotle chili powder | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Fresno pepper, seeded/sliced | 1 | Use chili flakes to taste if fresno unavailable |
| Honey | 1/3 cup | |
| Fresh lime juice | 1/3 cup | |
| Fresh cilantro, chopped | 1/2 cup |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep and Bake the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- In a baking dish, combine the chicken, chopped garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat.
- Arrange butter slices over the chicken for added moisture.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
2. Make the Chili Lime Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Add onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, and chipotle chili powder. Stir to combine.
- Add fresno pepper or chili flakes if desired; cook gently to just soften.
- Remove from heat. Whisk in honey and lime juice, then stir in fresh cilantro. Season with a little salt to taste.
3. Serve It Up
- Spoon the sauce generously over the warm chicken.
- Serve the chicken and sauce over fluffy steamed rice with fresh basil and some naan for scooping up the extra sauce.
Helpful Kitchen Equipment (with affiliate links)
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Recipe Tips
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat, though breasts work well for a leaner option.
- Butter adds flavor and moisture, but olive oil is a good substitute for lighter meals.
- Don’t skip the fresh lime juice; it brightens the entire dish!
- Adjust chili levels for more or less heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this with boneless thighs?
Yes! Thighs offer extra juiciness and stand up well to bold flavors.
Is Chili Lime Chicken spicy?
With fresno pepper or chili flakes, it’s mildly spicy but you can adjust the heat by changing amounts or omitting the pepper.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Absolutely. Cooked, cooled chicken and sauce keep in the fridge for 3 days, perfect for shredded chicken recipes, bowls, or wraps.
What sides go best?
Steamed cilantro rice, naan, simple salads, or roasted veggies pair well for a balanced, colorful plate.
What equipment do I need?
Almost any oven-safe dish works, but for perfect results try a kitchen thermometer, quality baking sheet, and sharp chef’s knife.
PrintChili Lime Chicken Recipe : Quick, Juicy, and Flavorful (2 lbs, 30 min bake)
A juicy and flavorful chili lime chicken, baked and topped with a tangy homemade chili lime sauce. Perfect for quick dinners and weeknight meals.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
2 pounds small boneless chicken breasts or thighs
4 cloves garlic, chopped
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
2 teaspoons cumin
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons cold, salted butter, sliced
Steamed rice and naan for serving
1/2 cup fresh basil
Chili Lime Sauce:
4 tablespoons salted butter
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
1 fresno pepper, seeded and sliced
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a baking dish, toss chicken, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Arrange butter slices over chicken. Bake 20-30 minutes, until cooked through.
3. Meanwhile, make sauce: Melt butter in saucepan, add onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, chipotle chili powder, fresno pepper. Cook on low until melted.
4. Remove sauce from heat. Whisk in honey and lime juice. Stir in cilantro and salt to taste.
5. Spoon sauce over warm chicken. Serve over bowls of rice with fresh basil and extra sauce.
Notes
Use thighs for extra juiciness.
Substitute olive oil for butter if desired.
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