Easy and Delicious Honey-Lime Glazed Chicken Recipe

Craving a dish that’s bursting with sunshine and flavor, yet surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This Honey-Lime Glazed Chicken with Coconut Rice and Grilled Pineapple Salsa is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will transport your taste buds straight to the tropics.

Why You’ll Love It

• The combination of sweet honey, tangy lime, and savory soy sauce creates a truly addictive glaze.
• The coconut rice is creamy, aromatic, and the perfect complement to the glazed chicken.
• The grilled pineapple salsa adds a burst of fresh, smoky sweetness that brightens the whole dish.
• It’s an impressive meal that looks like it took hours to prepare, but it’s actually quite simple.
• It’s versatile! Serve it for a weeknight dinner, a weekend barbecue, or even a festive gathering.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

What sets this recipe apart is the unexpected flavor punch from the grilled pineapple salsa. Grilling the pineapple brings out its natural sugars, creating a caramelized sweetness that balances the savory chicken and creamy rice perfectly. The combination of the zesty lime glaze with the smoky grilled pineapple is a flavor adventure that’s hard to resist! The simple marinade ensures a wonderfully tender and flavorful chicken.

Ingredient List

• For the Chicken:
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
• For the Coconut Rice:
  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk (This provides richness and flavor)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the Grilled Pineapple Salsa:
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into chunks
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • Juice of 1/2 lime
  • Salt to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add chicken, making sure it’s fully coated in the marinade. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more intense flavor).
2. Prepare the coconut rice: In a medium saucepan, combine coconut milk, water, salt, and rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
3. Grill the pineapple: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the pineapple chunks for 2-3 minutes per side, or until lightly charred. Let them cool slightly, then dice them into smaller pieces.
4. Make the pineapple salsa: In a bowl, combine the diced grilled pineapple, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño (if using), and lime juice. Season with salt to taste.
5. Cook the chicken: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated chicken in a baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through and lightly caramelized.
6. Assemble and serve: Serve the glazed chicken over a bed of coconut rice, topped with the fresh grilled pineapple salsa. Enjoy!

Optional Toppings/Variations

Feel free to add some extra flair with these options!

• Toasted coconut flakes: Sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes over the finished dish for extra texture and flavor.
• Chopped green onions: Add a bit of freshness with a garnish of chopped green onions.

Expert Tips

• Don’t skip the marinating step! It’s crucial for infusing the chicken with flavor. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the chicken.
• Be careful not to overcook the rice, or it will become mushy. Cook until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
• Grilling the pineapple is key to bringing out its caramelized flavor for the salsa; this step is absolutely worth it. If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or even a hot skillet can be used.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes and jalapeno to control the spice level according to your preference.
• For the juiciest chicken, let it rest for 5 minutes after cooking before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
  

  Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly as they might cook faster than thighs. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

• Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
  

  Absolutely! You can mix the marinade a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. This will actually intensify the flavor of the marinade.

• How can I store leftovers?
  

  Store leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving. The salsa is best when fresh, but can be stored for a day in the fridge.

• Can I make this on a grill?
  

  Yes, you can! Grill the marinated chicken over medium heat until cooked through, turning occasionally. Just be careful not to burn the honey glaze.

• Can I substitute the coconut milk?
  

  For a less rich version, you can use lite coconut milk or even regular milk, but note that it may affect the richness of the rice.

Variations and Customization Options

Get creative and make this recipe your own! Here are some fun ways to customize it:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade for extra heat.
• Mango Madness: Substitute some of the pineapple in the salsa with diced mango for a different tropical twist.
• Citrus Burst: Try using orange juice instead of lime juice in the marinade for a sweeter flavor.
• Herbalicious: Experiment with adding different fresh herbs to the salsa like mint or basil.

Serving Suggestions

This Honey-Lime Glazed Chicken with Coconut Rice and Grilled Pineapple Salsa is fantastic on its own, but here are some ways to make it a complete meal: Serve it with a side of steamed broccoli, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables for a balanced and nutritious meal. You can also garnish it with extra lime wedges or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Conclusion

This Honey-Lime Glazed Chicken recipe is a winner because it combines incredible flavors with ease of preparation. It’s a dish that’s perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions. The combination of sweet, savory, and smoky elements is simply irresistible. Go ahead and give it a try – you won’t be disappointed! Don’t forget to share photos of your delicious creation with me, and subscribe to my newsletter for more tasty recipes!

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