Lani's Spicy Chicken

Bursting with bold, zesty flavors, Lani’s Spicy Chicken is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for spice lovers. This quick and easy recipe features tender, perfectly seasoned chicken thighs marinated in a tantalizing blend of lime juice, olive oil, honey, and garlic, with a smoky kick from paprika, cayenne, and cumin. Optional jalapeño adds extra heat, while a sprinkle of fresh cilantro finishes the dish with a pop of freshness. Ready in just 40 minutes (including prep), this versatile dish is perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back gatherings. Serve it over fluffy rice, tuck it into tacos, or pair it with a crisp side salad for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 teaspoons Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons Lime juice
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Honey
• 3 cloves Fresh garlic (minced)
• 1 medium Jalapeño (deseeded and finely chopped, optional)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro (chopped)

Directions

Step 1

In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and ground cumin.

Step 2

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with the spice mixture. Set aside.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, and minced fresh garlic to create a marinade.

Step 4

Add the spice-rubbed chicken thighs to the marinade. Toss to coat, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 5

Preheat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a small drizzle of olive oil to the pan.

Step 6

Cook the chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side, or until they develop a golden, slightly charred crust and are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

Step 7

If using jalapeño, add it to the skillet during the last 2 minutes of cooking to soften slightly.

Step 8

Remove the chicken from the skillet and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Step 9

Serve warm with lime wedges, over rice, or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(835.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1811.0

Total Fat 104.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 25.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 741.6mg	0%
Sodium 2934.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 33.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.1g	0%
Total Sugars 19.7g
Protein 179.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 146.6mg	0%
Iron 10.1mg	0%
Potassium 2007.3mg	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: 52.4%

Protein: 40.0%

Carbs: 7.5%