Honey Lime Cajun Chicken
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Crispy-skinned, well seasoned, and bathed in a sticky-sweet citrus glaze, these Honey Lime Cajun Chicken thighs deliver amazing depth of flavor in a quick and easy chicken dinner, without the need to marinate or slow cook.
Honey Lime Cajun Chicken Recipe
Today’s easy one pan Honey Lime Cajun Chicken recipe sets out to prove that quick and easy weeknight dinners can have incredible flavor with the right ingredients and the right cooking techniques.
(That said, all of the ingredients used in this recipe are common, everyday ingredients and there’s no fancy cooking skills required.)
Our homemade Cajun seasoning delivers smoky depth and subtle heat, while the honey-lime sauce adds a bright, garlicky tang that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. The quick pan sear ensures that while the skin of the chicken gets golden and crispy, the inside stays juicy and tender.
If you’re worried about this recipe being too spicy, you can use less seasoning, but I find that it hits that perfect balance of smoky heat and sweetness thanks to the honey. The lime brightens up the dish and adds a citrusy kick that plays off of the sweet and spicy notes beautifully.
What to Pair with Honey Lime Cajun Chicken:
- Buttery rice
- Mexican Corn Salad
- Mac and Cheese
- Grilled or pan-fried veggies: zucchini, asparagus, etc.
- Creamy salads or coleslaw (try our Copycat Chickfila Coleslaw)
Honey Lime Cajun Chicken Variations:
- For a faster cooking time, cut the chicken in 2” pieces.
- While bone-in chicken thighs are a bit more flavourful and harder to overcook, swap them up for chicken breasts, if desired.
- Swap out the lime juice for orange juice for a sweeter, less tangy glaze.
- Make a creamy pan sauce by adding heavy cream to the liquid in the skillet and bringing to a simmer over medium to medium-high heat. It will thicken as it sets.
- To take care of your side dishes at the same time, add your veggies directly to the pan (kale, spinach, mushrooms, carrots, broccoli, beans, etc).
- Grill the chicken over medium heat and baste with the honey-lime sauce in the last few minutes.
- If you like this recipe but want a twist, you can swap the chicken for fish like salmon filets.
How to store leftovers: leftover cajun chicken can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can this chicken recipe be frozen? The chicken can be frozen in the marinade or after cooking. To freeze the chicken, store in an airtight ziptop bag or your favorite freezer containers for up to three months. (This set of freezer containers is a crazy bargain.)
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet? Transfer the seared chicken and glaze to a baking dish before placing it in the oven.
More Family Favorite Chicken Thigh Recipes:
Honey Lime Cajun Chicken Ingredients
- Chicken Thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- Cajun Seasoning <– grab our recipe for homemade cajun seasoning here
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- Olive Oil
- Soy Sauce
- Lime Juice
- Honey
- Minced Garlic, or less to taste
Scroll down to the printable recipe card for full measurements.
Tip: Dry your chicken well before seasoning and searing—it’s key to getting a deeply browned, crisp skin.
Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful
- Cast Iron Skillet <– I love the versatility of a good cast-iron pan – you can make everything from eggs to dessert in them and they transition easily from the stove to the oven. This one is pre-seasoned and great for even heating
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Whisk
- Mixing Bowl
- Tongs
- Meat Thermometer <– This is the meat thermometer I have been using for the past 6 years – I’ve never had to change a battery and it’s super sturdy and reliable. It was a bit pricey, but unlike the $15 models that you can buy, this one isn’t going to need replacement. It is waterproof and comes with a two-year warranty. (Thermoworks also has a $15 pocket-sized model if you want to try that out first before investing in the MK4.)
How to Make Blackened Cajun Chicken Thighs
Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towel and season with cajun seasoning, salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Once oil is hot, add chicken and sear on each side until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side.
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350F.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, lime juice, honey and minced garlic.
Once chicken is browned, remove from heat and divide the honey-lime mixture over each of the chicken thighs.
Place skillet in the oven for 15-20 minutes, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F.
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Honey Lime Cajun Chicken
Ingredients
- 4-6 Chicken Thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1 Tablespoon Cajun Seasoning
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Tablespoon Soy Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Lime Juice
- 3 Tablespoons Honey
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons Minced Garlic, or less to taste
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towel and season with cajun seasoning, salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Once oil is hot, add chicken and sear on each side until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side.
- Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350F.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, lime juice, honey and minced garlic.
- Once chicken is browned, remove from heat and divide the honey-lime mixture over each of the chicken thighs.
- Place skillet in the oven for 15-20 minutes, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 337Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 166mgSodium: 964mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 0gSugar: 9gProtein: 31g
Sugar, Spice and Glitter uses an auto-generate nutrition calculator. Nutrition information isn’t always accurate unless analyzed in a scientific lab, so these should be considered more of a guideline than medical information.
I hope your family loves this easy honey lime cajun chicken recipe as much as mine does!
For more ways to enjoy chicken, check out our full chicken recipe collection here:
