Imagine a dish that combines the sweet allure of honey with the tangy punch of key lime, creating a mouthwatering chicken recipe that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience! This Honey Key Lime Chicken is not just a meal, it's a flavor explosion that promises to tantalize your senses and impress even the most discerning food critics at your table. Get ready to embark on a delicious journey that's surprisingly simple to create and guaranteed to become a new family favorite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup key lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather 4 boneless chicken breasts, 1/4 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of key lime juice, 2 cloves of garlic (minced), salt, and pepper. Also, have some chopped cilantro ready for garnish.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the honey, key lime juice, and minced garlic. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well blended. This will create a flavorful marinade for the chicken.
- Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the honey-key lime marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors.
- While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. If using a skillet, you may want to add a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Once the grill or skillet is hot, remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the chicken on the grill or in the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This will help retain the juices and keep the chicken tender.
- To serve, slice the chicken and arrange it on a platter. Drizzle any remaining marinade over the top for added flavor. Garnish with chopped cilantro for a fresh touch.
- Enjoy your Honey Key Lime Chicken with a side of rice, salad, or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal!
Tips
- Marination is Key: Don't rush the marinating process. Let the chicken sit in the honey-lime mixture for at least 15 minutes, but for maximum flavor, you can marinate up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) without overcooking.
- Rest Your Meat: Always let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to help retain its juices and ensure maximum tenderness.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra flavor kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or some fresh zest from the key limes.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: While the recipe suggests grilling or using a skillet, you can also bake this chicken in the oven at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh cilantro isn't just a garnish - it adds a bright, fresh flavor that complements the sweet and tangy marinade perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 54g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 140mg
