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Crispy Honey Lime Chicken Recipe For Busy Weeknights

Crispy Honey Lime Chicken

This crispy honey lime chicken is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels bright, satisfying, and completely doable after a busy day. The sauce is sweet, tangy, and full of fresh citrus flavor, with tender chicken wrapped in a crisp golden coating.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet
  • 1 Small saucepan
  • 1 Mixing Bowls
  • 1 Paper towels

Ingredients
  

Chicken

  • 1.5 lb chicken breasts or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper

Coating

  • 0.75 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.25 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 2 eggs
  • 0.25 cup milk or plain yogurt
  • 0.5 cup neutral oil for frying or pan-searing

Honey Lime Sauce

  • 0.5 cup honey
  • 0.25 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1 tbsp lime zest
  • 2 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 0.25 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional

For Garnish

  • 2 tbsp green onions or cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Pat the chicken dry and cut it into even pieces so everything cooks at the same pace. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  • In one bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk the eggs with milk or yogurt.
  • Dunk each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then into the flour mixture. Press gently so the coating sticks well and turns extra crisp when cooked.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken in batches so the pan does not get crowded, and fry or sear until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
  • In a small saucepan, combine honey, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, broth, and vinegar. Simmer briefly until slightly thickened and fragrant. Add red pepper flakes if you want a little heat.
  • Add the crispy chicken to the sauce and toss gently until coated. Finish with green onions or cilantro, then serve right away while the coating is still crisp.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer so the coating stays as crisp as possible. If needed, warm the sauce separately and drizzle it over the chicken just before serving.