Chilli Lime Chicken is a bold, zesty, and slightly sweet dish packed with fresh lime juice, garlic, and red chillies. This easy Chilli Lime Chicken recipe delivers tender, golden chicken coated in a sticky, glossy sauce that’s bursting with flavor. It’s the perfect quick dinner when you want something vibrant and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet, tangy, and spicy flavor balance
- Juicy chicken thighs with crispy edges
- Quick 25-minute dinner
- Perfect with rice or noodles
- Family-friendly with adjustable heat
Ingredients
The Chicken
- 8 boneless skinless chicken thigh fillets, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons cornflour (cornstarch)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (such as avocado oil)
The Sauce
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon cornflour (cornstarch)
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 red chillies, sliced
To Serve
- Sesame seeds
- Chilli flakes
- Lime wedges
- Sliced spring onions (scallions)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs on a board and flatten slightly with your hands. Mix 2 tablespoons cornflour with salt and pepper, then sprinkle evenly over both sides of the chicken.
Step 2: Pan-Fry
Heat sesame oil and neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6–7 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, lime juice, honey, brown sugar, garlic, red chillies, and the remaining 1 tablespoon cornflour until smooth.
Step 4: Simmer
Once the chicken is golden, pour the sauce over the chicken in the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top the Chilli Lime Chicken with sesame seeds, chilli flakes, lime wedges, and sliced spring onions. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Tips & Tricks
- Adjust chillies for desired spice level.
- Fresh lime juice gives the best bright flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure crisp edges.
- Substitute chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs stay juicier.
- Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too quickly.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary: Dairy-Free
Notes
- Serve with jasmine rice, coconut rice, or stir-fried noodles.
- Add steamed broccoli or snap peas for a complete meal.
- For extra citrus flavor, add a little lime zest.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 20g
FAQ
Can I make Chilli Lime Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well and tastes even better as the flavors deepen.
Can I bake instead of pan-fry?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, then simmer the sauce separately and pour over.
Is it very spicy?
The spice level is moderate. Reduce or remove chillies for milder flavor.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice is recommended for the brightest taste.
How do I thicken the sauce more?
Simmer longer or add a small slurry of cornflour and water.
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Similar Recipes
Chilli Lime Chicken
Ingredients
The Chicken
- 8 boneless skinless chicken thigh fillets trimmed
- 2 tablespoons cornflour cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil such as avocado oil
The Sauce
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons lime juice about 2 limes
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon cornflour cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 red chillies sliced
To Serve
- Sesame seeds
- Chilli flakes
- Lime wedges
- Sliced spring onions scallions
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Place the chicken thighs on a board and flatten slightly with your hands. Mix 2 tablespoons cornflour with salt and pepper, then sprinkle evenly over both sides of the chicken.
Step 2: Pan-Fry
- Heat sesame oil and neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6–7 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, lime juice, honey, brown sugar, garlic, red chillies, and the remaining 1 tablespoon cornflour until smooth.
Step 4: Simmer
- Once the chicken is golden, pour the sauce over the chicken in the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Top the Chilli Lime Chicken with sesame seeds, chilli flakes, lime wedges, and sliced spring onions. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Serve with jasmine rice, coconut rice, or stir-fried noodles.
Conclusion
Chilli Lime Chicken is the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors wrapped around juicy golden chicken. It’s quick enough for weeknights but flavorful enough to impress guests. Once you try this Chilli Lime Chicken recipe, it will become a regular in your dinner rotation.