This coastal-style marinated grilled chicken begins with a bright honey-lime marinade and is finished on the grill for a juicy, flavorful result. Garlic and coconut aminos give the chicken a savory-sweet depth, while fresh cilantro adds brightness.
The Best Honey Cilantro Lime Chicken
This grilled chicken is infused with the tang of lime, the sweetness of honey, and the savory umami of coconut aminos. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts.
Honey Lime Chicken Recipe Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- Coconut aminos (or soy sauce)
- Honey
- Avocado oil (or olive oil)
- Fresh lime juice
- Minced garlic
- Chopped cilantro
- Salt and pepper
How to Make Honey Lime Chicken on the Grill
- Whisk together coconut aminos (or soy sauce), honey, avocado oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Place the chicken and marinade into a gallon-sized food storage bag, seal, and refrigerate for 4–24 hours. Overnight yields the most flavor.
- When ready, remove the chicken from the fridge and preheat the grill to medium-low. Because the marinade contains oil, cook over lower heat to prevent flare-ups.
- Remove the chicken from the bag and place on the grill. Cook 7–10 minutes per side, flipping only once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute.
Tips for Grilling Chicken
- Cook over low to medium heat, especially with oil in the marinade, to avoid flare-ups and burning.
- Marinate longer for better flavor—aim for at least 12 hours when possible.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy; slicing too soon releases the juices.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F without overcooking.
Honey Lime Chicken Marinade FAQ
Lime helps tenderize the chicken and adds bright acidity that enhances flavor.
With lime juice in the marinade, marinate up to 24 hours. Extended times can start to change the texture.
Yes—marinating overnight (up to 24 hours) is fine and often yields better flavor.
Can Grilled Chicken be made ahead of time?
Yes. Grilled chicken stores well and makes an excellent make-ahead meal. Refrigerate cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 6 months. Do not marinate raw chicken for more than 24 hours.
Storing Honey Cilantro Lime Chicken
Allow cooked chicken to cool completely before storing. Keep whole or slice before refrigerating in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze up to 6 months.
Sides for Honey Lime Grilled Chicken
- Fresh green salad
- Corn on the cob
- Roasted or steamed broccoli
Substitutions for Honey Lime Cilantro Chicken
Chicken: Use chicken tenders, thighs, or wings instead of breasts. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
Coconut aminos: Substitute soy sauce or liquid aminos. For a different profile, try a splash of balsamic vinegar.
Avocado oil: Olive oil works well as a substitute.
Honey: Brown sugar or maple syrup can be used, though honey provides the best balance of flavor and consistency.
You might also like:
- Marinated Grilled Chicken
- Baked Chicken
- Grilled Peach Salad
Honey Lime Chicken Recipe
5 mins
20 mins
4 hrs
4 hrs 20 mins
4 people
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
- 3 tbsp coconut aminos (or soy sauce)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil)
- 2 tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 3 tbsp chopped cilantro
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Whisk together all ingredients except the chicken.
- Place chicken and marinade in a gallon food storage bag and refrigerate for 4–24 hours.
- Preheat the grill to low–medium heat when ready to cook.
- Grill chicken 7–10 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
This marinade contains oil, so cook over lower heat to prevent flare-ups. Resting the chicken after grilling helps keep it juicy.
Nutrition
Serving: 1/4 of recipe — Calories: 214 kcal, Carbohydrates: 14 g, Protein: 24 g, Fat: 6 g. Nutrition information is an approximation.
Additional Info
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American