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Chipotle-Lime Grilled Chicken

This vibrant chipotle-lime grilled chicken offers a delicious balance of smoky heat and zesty citrus. Using skinless chicken thighs ensures the meat remains succulent and tender on the barbecue, while the marinade provides a punchy depth of flavour without the need for heavy fats or refined sugars. It is an excellent choice for a fresh, protein-rich main course that feels indulgent yet remains naturally light.

As a diabetes-friendly recipe, this dish focuses on lean protein and heart-healthy olive oil, making it a nutritious staple for your summer grilling repertoire. Serve the chicken alongside a crisp green salad or some charred courgettes for a wholesome, low-carbohydrate meal that the whole family will enjoy. The simple 15-minute marinade makes it perfect for quick weekday dinners or relaxed weekend entertaining.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Chipotle-Lime Grilled Chicken

  • 60ml fresh lime juice

  • 60ml olive oil

  • 2 1/2 tablespoons chipotle Tabasco

  • 3/4 teaspoons salt

  • 6 large skinless boneless chicken thighs (1.1kg total)

  • 2 teaspoons mild honey

How to make Chipotle-Lime Grilled Chicken

Prepare grill for cooking over direct heat with medium-hot charcoal (moderate heat for gas).

While coals are lighting, stir together lime juice, oil, Tabasco, and salt in a liquid-measuring cup. Put chicken in a large sealable bag and add 80ml marinade (reserve remainder in cup). Seal bag, forcing out excess air, and marinate chicken at room temperature, about 15 minutes. Stir honey into remaining marinade until dissolved to make sauce.

Grill chicken (discarding marinade in bag) on lightly oiled grill rack, covered only if using a gas grill, turning chicken over occasionally and moving it to avoid flare-ups if necessary, until just cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes total.

Brush both sides of chicken with some of reserved sauce, then continue to grill, turning over once, until lightly browned, about 1 minute more. Serve chicken drizzled with remaining sauce.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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