Chef Allen's Red Hot Key Lime Chicken

Get ready to ignite your taste buds with Chef Allen's Red Hot Key Lime Chicken, a bold and flavorful dish that perfectly balances zesty citrus and fiery spice. This recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant blend of key lime juice, chili paste, honey, and fragrant spices like smoked paprika and cumin. The result? A smoky, tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill for a mouthwatering char. Topped with fresh cilantro and served with key lime wedges for an extra punch of zest, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or backyard barbecues. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, it’s a must-try for lovers of sweet-heat combinations and bold tropical flair!

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 6 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 4 whole Key limes, juiced
• 2 teaspoons Key lime zest
• 2 tablespoons Red chili paste
• 1 tablespoon Honey
• 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)
• 4 pieces Key lime wedges (for serving)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the key lime juice, key lime zest, red chili paste, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.

Step 2

Place the chicken thighs into a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor).

Step 3

Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Step 4

Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Reserve the remaining marinade.

Step 5

Grill the chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken has a slight char on the edges.

Step 6

While the chicken cooks, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes to thicken slightly and ensure safety for consumption.

Step 7

Once the chicken is fully cooked, transfer it to a serving platter and drizzle it with the thickened marinade for extra flavor.

Step 8

Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with key lime wedges on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(926.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1694.1

Total Fat 95.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 22.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 750mg	0%
Sodium 4652.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 46.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.1g	0%
Total Sugars 22.8g
Protein 162.0g	0%

Vitamin D 42IU	0%
Calcium 233.8mg	0%
Iron 9.6mg	0%
Potassium 1946.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.8%

Protein: 38.3%

Carbs: 11.0%