Chili Lime Chicken (One Pan)

Quick and easy chili lime chicken recipe, made in one pot/pan with simple ingredients on stovetop. This sweet & spicy 30 minute weeknight meal can also be grilled or baked.

This chicken recipe has the perfect balance of sweet and spice. It is something I have been making since I was in college and I love eating it with plain jasmine rice. My husband likes it so much as is he doesn't even want any side to go along with it.

This is also a great kid-friendly recipe for the whole family. And if you enjoy Thai-inspired dishes with a similar flavor profile like we do, you will also want to try Chicken Pad Thai (One Pot) or Thai Peanut Noodles (One Pot).

Key ingredients

• Chicken- Breasts were used in this recipe, but you can also use drumsticks or wings.
• Oil- This is used to saute the chicken and spices.
• Ginger- Adds a warm kick and aroma to this recipe.
• Garlic- Brings in greater depth and savor.
• Sauces- I used both sweet chili sauce and soy sauce to gain the perfect combinations.
• Lime juice- This is essential for the unique flavor profile.
• Honey- Adds sweetness and moisture to the chicken.
• Spices- Use salt, pepper, chili flakes, and paprika to gain the right flavor.
• Garnish- Use lime slices and thinly sliced green onions.

Variations

• Make burgers- Use small chicken breast pieces (about 1 inch) and cook as per the recipe instructions below. Then, use them as a filling in burgers, along with lettuce and condiments of your choice.
• Turn into tacos- Slice this cooked chicken into thin strips and add them in soft or hard tacos, along with lettuce, tomatoes and shredded cheese. You can also shred the chicken and use it like I did in these Shredded Chicken Tacos (One Pot).
• Bake it- Marinate chicken in all the ingredients for at least 1 hour and then baking at 375 degrees until fully cooked.
• Put it on the grill- Like I did with this Grilled Chicken Breast (One Pan). Simply marinate chicken in all the ingredients for at least 1 hour and then baking at 375 degrees until fully cooked.
• Chicken salad- Slice this cooked chicken into thin strips and serve that over a bowl of lettuce, spinach, kale, onions and other vegetables of your choice. Or turn it into a Thai Chicken Salad (One Bowl).
• Kabobs- Use small marinated chicken pieces and place them on skewers along with your favorite vegetables. Cook in the oven, on the grill, or over a camp fire.
• Slow cooker/ crockpot version- Dump all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours. This really makes the chicken tender, soft, and moist like in my Crockpot Orange Chicken.

How to make sweet chili chicken?

1. Heat oil and saute- Ginger, garlic, red chili flakes, and chicken until light golden brown.
2. Add in- Sweet chili sauce, salt, pepper, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and paprika.
3. Cover and cook- For a few minutes.
4. Uncover and cook- Until liquid is reduced, sauce thickens, and chicken is fully cooked.

What to serve with lime chicken?

• Bread- Including dinner rolls and breadsticks.
• Rice- This is my favorite option. I personally like plain jasmine rice, but you can also use Coconut Rice (One Pot) or Cilantro Lime Rice (One Pot).
• Salad- Try other Asian inspired dishes to go alongside this recipe, such as Asian Cabbage Salad (One Bowl) or Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe (One Bowl).
• Coleslaw- Like Asian Slaw or Coleslaw (One Bowl) or Creamy Coleslaw (One Bowl).

Tips and techniques

• Other types of chicken can be used- I used large boneless chicken breasts in this recipe but you can also use thighs, wings or drumsticks.
• Adjust the amount- Of sweet chili sauce, red chili flakes and paprika, based on your spice preference.
• Based on the size of chicken breasts- You can use up to to 5 or 6 chicken breasts in this recipe.
• You must use low sodium soy sauce- To prevent this meal from becoming too salty.
• You can use store bought or homemade sweet chili sauce- It can easily be found in grocery stores but you can also make it at home, if you like. I just buy it since it's quicker.
• Don't replace lime juice with lemon juice- Because it alters the flavor since lime has a very distinct zesty flavor.
• To enhance the lime flavor- You can also add 1 teaspoon lime zest.

Recipe FAQs

Storage

• Make ahead- Make up to 2 days before needed, store in a sealed container in the fridge, and reheat to serve. Or you can also put it in a container in the freezer for up to 1 month, then thaw and reheat before serving.
• Refrigerate- Use a sealed container to put the leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Freeze- This recipe can be placed in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat.
• Reheat- Place in a pot and warm over the stovetop or place in a microwave-safe bowl and warm in the microwave.

More one pot chicken recipes:

• Cashew Chicken (One Pot)
• Crockpot Sesame Chicken
• Honey Sriracha Chicken (One Pot)
• Easy Pineapple Chicken (One Pot)
• Honey Garlic Chicken (One Pot).

Recipe