This ginger-lime chicken brings the zing! Juicy, flavorful, and easy enough for a quick weeknight dinner.

ginger lime chicken being served with rice

Crisp, zesty, and juicy, this chicken dinner hits all the right notes. A quick marinade of fresh lime, ginger, garlic, and a touch of brown sugar takes ordinary chicken thighs and turns them into something the whole family will eat up!

This is one of our go-to recipes when I want something with big flavor that doesn't take over my whole evening. It's family-friendly, yet fancy enough for guests. And it's delicious served over rice, mashed potatoes, or even fresh greens.

P.S. If you're in the market for more easy dinner ideas, check out this Dorito chicken casserole, my marinated baked chicken, or my favorite family-friendly chicken recipes.

Supplies Needed

Baking Dish: A deep, oven-proof baking dish is ideal for this recipe. A rimmed baking sheet can also work, but I've found it can be a bit leaky.

Zester: If you don't have a zester in your kitchen yet, this is the perfect time to add one! Citrus zest adds a ton of flavor to dishes, without adding more liquid or acidity. It's a handy tool to have.

Meat Thermometer: I always recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked all the way through. You're aiming for a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Helpful Tips

Rest before slicing: Let the chicken sit for a few minutes after baking before slicing it. This lets the juices redistribute, making the final dish more moist and flavorful.

Marinate well: Give the chicken at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) in the fridge. It really helps the flavors penetrate.

Don't skip the zest: The lime zest gives a ton of flavor and aroma without extra acidity. Just avoid the white pith when zesting, which has a bitter flavor.

Storing Leftovers: Leftover chicken can last 3-4 days, when stored in an airtight container in the frige.

easy Variations

Protein swaps: The recipe calls for chicken breasts, but you can also make this with tenders or thighs. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly. The marinade is also a great match for seafood, like shrimp.

Spice it up!: Add crushed red pepper flakes, chili powder, or a dash of sriracha to the marinade for extra heat.

Serving ideas: I recommend serving over jasmine or basmati rice. You can also try it wrapped in tortillas, served over fresh greens like a salad, over cilantro-lime cauliflower rice, or served alongside roasted veggies for a healthier plate.

More Easy Dinner Ideas

If you love this ginger-lime chicken, be sure to check out these other delicious ideas:

Recipe

Ginger Lime Chicken

Yield Servings 4 servings
Prep Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Cook Time 20 mins
Total Total Time 1 hr

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 limes, juiced and zested
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, peeled and grated
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 clove garlic, peeled and minced

Instructions

1
Place chicken thighs into a large ziplock bag, set aside
2
In a small bowl, stir together the lime juice, zest, olive oil, grated ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, salt and garlic
3
Pour the mixture over the chicken thighs.
4
Seal tight, and place in fridge for at least 30 minutes (up to two hours)
5
Preheat the oven to 400 F.
6
Remove the chicken from the bag and place into a lightly greased roasting pan
7
Cook the chicken for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature is at least 165 F
8
Garnish with slices of lime, serve and enjoy.