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Grilled Honey Lime Chicken (Marinade Recipe)

Grilled honey lime chicken drumsticks with reduced glaze on a white serving plate with lime wedges
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This irresistible honey lime chicken marinade with soy sauce, sweet honey, and zesty lime juice adds tons of flavor to grilled drumsticks. Only 4 marinade ingredients and gluten-free adaptable.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 whole limes, juiced and zested
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Whisk together the honey, soy sauce, lime juice, lime zest, and crushed red pepper flakes in a medium bowl until fully combined.
  2. Add chicken drumsticks to a large ziplock bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal, and toss to coat. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Do not exceed 24 hours.
  3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400 degrees F). Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  4. Remove drumsticks from marinade and pat lightly with a paper towel. Reserve the marinade. Place chicken on the grill and cook, rotating every 8 to 10 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (about 30 to 35 minutes total).
  5. Pour reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until thickened and reduced by half. Boiling makes it safe to use as a glaze.
  6. In the last 2 to 3 minutes of grilling, brush chicken with reduced sauce. Remove from heat, brush with remaining sauce, rest for 5 to 10 minutes, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken cuts for the best flavor. Boneless thighs or breasts also work but require less grill time.
  • For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos in equal amounts.
  • Always boil the leftover marinade before using it as a glaze to make it food safe.
  • Pull chicken off the grill at 162 degrees F and let carryover heat bring it to 165 degrees F for juicier results. Rest 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
  • Baking alternative: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Brush marinade over chicken and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

Nutrition

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