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Spicy Honey Lime Chicken Thighs with Avocado Salsa

Cuisine
Courses
Difficulty Beginner
Time
Prep Time: 45 mins Cook Time: 25 mins Rest Time: 10 mins Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins
Servings 4
Calories 400
Best Season Suitable throughout the year
Description

Spicy Honey Lime Chicken Thighs with Avocado Salsa is a mouthwatering dish that brings together bold and vibrant flavors. The chicken thighs are marinated in a sweet and tangy honey-lime sauce with a kick of spice, then cooked to golden, caramelized perfection. Topped with a refreshing avocado salsa made with creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and zesty lime, this dish strikes the perfect balance between heat and freshness. It's an ideal recipe for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, guaranteed to impress your taste buds and your guests!

Ingredients
    Chicken Thighs
  • 8 boneless, chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Avocado Salsa
  • 2 ripe avocados, diced
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small jalapeño, deseeded and finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 of Juice lime
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional Garnishes
  • Lime wedges
  • Extra cilantro
Instructions
    Marinate the Chicken
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, olive oil, soy sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Massage the marinade into the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2-4 hours for maximum flavor.
  4. Prepare the Avocado Salsa
  5. In a medium bowl, combine diced avocados, tomato, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
  6. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss to combine. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  7. Cook the Chicken
  8. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil.
  9. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
  10. Cook the chicken thighs for about 5-6 minutes per side or until they are caramelized and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
  11. Assemble and Serve
  12. Arrange the cooked chicken thighs on a serving platter.
  13. Spoon the avocado salsa over the top or serve it on the side.
  14. Garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro if desired.
  15. Serve immediately with rice, tortillas, or a fresh green salad.
Note

Tips for Success:

  • For extra caramelization, brush the chicken with a little more honey during the last minute of cooking.
  • Add a pinch of sugar to the salsa if your tomatoes are not very sweet.
  • Make it dairy-free by pairing with vegan-friendly sides like cauliflower rice.

Enjoy your Spicy Honey Lime Chicken Thighs with Avocado Salsa—a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, tangy, and creamy!

I’m so grateful you stopped by to check out my recipes. I hope they bring joy to your kitchen. Feel free to share your experience in the comments. Happy cooking!