Dinner

Easy Chili Lime Chicken Recipe

ByCleo Brixton October 30, 2025October 30, 2025

Introduction

This Easy Chili Lime Chicken recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with a vibrant, tangy sauce packed with smoky spices and fresh herbs. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s simple to prepare yet full of bold flavors that will satisfy your craving for something both spicy and refreshing.

A bowl with a patterned light beige inside is filled with a base layer of fluffy white rice that takes up most of the bowl, topped by two pieces of golden brown grilled chicken coated in a green herb sauce with small bits of red chili pepper scattered on top, garnished with fresh green basil leaves placed around and on top of the chicken. A decorative silver fork rests inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl is placed on a rustic brown wooden table with a small black bowl containing chopped green onions and glasses with amber liquid in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 pounds small boneless chicken breasts or thighs
4 cloves garlic, chopped
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
2 teaspoons cumin
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons cold, salted butter, sliced
Steamed rice and naan, for serving
1/2 cup fresh basil
4 tablespoons salted butter
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
1 fresno pepper, seeded and sliced
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a baking dish, combine the chicken pieces with chopped garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to coat the chicken evenly.
Step 2: Arrange the slices of cold, salted butter on top of the seasoned chicken. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 3: While the chicken bakes, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of salted butter over low heat. Stir in onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and chipotle chili powder. Add the sliced fresno pepper or chili flakes to your desired heat level.
Step 4: Cook the sauce gently until the butter is fully melted and the spices are fragrant. Remove from heat and whisk in the honey and fresh lime juice. Stir in chopped cilantro and season with salt to taste.
Step 5: Once the chicken is done, spoon the chili lime sauce generously over the warm chicken pieces. Serve the chicken and sauce over bowls of steamed rice or with warm naan, garnished with fresh basil for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips & Variations

Swap chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result.
Adjust the amount of fresno pepper or cayenne to control the heat level to your preference.
Add a squeeze of extra lime juice just before serving to brighten the flavors.
For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with olive oil.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid drying out the chicken. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds a dish with a base layer of fluffy white rice, topped with two pieces of grilled chicken covered in a glossy, herb-filled sauce with shades of green and small bits of red chili. Fresh green basil leaves are scattered on the rice and chicken, adding vibrant color. A silver spoon with a decorative handle rests inside the bowl along the right edge. In the soft-focused background, there is a white bowl with lime halves and green herbs, a dark brown small bowl with chopped green onions, and a clear glass with light amber liquid on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without fresh peppers?

Yes, if you don’t have fresno peppers, you can use chili flakes or another mild chili pepper to achieve similar heat and flavor.

Is this dish spicy?

The chili and cayenne give this chicken a moderate level of heat, but it can be easily adjusted by adding more or less pepper according to your taste.