Ingredients
3 tbsp olive oil (or a neutral cooking oil)
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2 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
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1 tbsp honey or brown sugar (crucial for balancing the heat)
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1 tbsp soy sauce (adds great umami flavor)
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp chili powder
1/2 to 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust based on your spice tolerance!)
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
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Whisk the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, soy sauce, garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until completely combined.
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Prep the Chicken: Place about 1 to 1.5 lbs of chicken into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow container.
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Coat the Meat: Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece is thoroughly coated. If using a bag, squeeze out the excess air, seal it, and massage the marinade into the meat.
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Chill: Place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For the absolute best flavor, let it marinate for 2 to 4 hours. (Note: Try to avoid marinating for over 12 hours, as the acidity from the lime juice can start to break down the chicken and make it mushy).
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Cook: Grill, bake, or pan-fry your chicken until it is cooked through and reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Quick Tips for Success
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Turn up the heat: If you want an extra fiery kick, add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a heavy dash of your favorite hot sauce to the wet mix.
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The perfect char: This marinade is exceptionally good for grilling or pan-searing. The honey caramelizes beautifully under high heat, giving the chicken sticky, slightly charred, and crispy edges.
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