Name: Spicy Honey Lime Chicken Legs
Cook time: 1 h 40 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Yield: 4 Servings
Cuisine: American

OnlineCook Verified

April 29, 2025

13 Ingredients

EASY

Shake up your weeknight chicken dinner routine with these sweet and spicy marinated chicken legs! The recipe is a Yummly original created by Sara Mellas.

From the Cook

1/2

Spicy Honey Lime Chicken Legs

OnlineCook Verified

Ingredients

Servings

WarningWheat and 1 other allergen identified

Instructions

Place the honey, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper in a gallon-sized zip-top bag. Seal the bag and shake vigorously to combine. Add the garlic and chopped cilantro.

Season the chicken legs liberally with salt and black pepper. Add chicken to the bag. Seal the bag and gently shake to thoroughly coat the chicken with marinade.

Transfer the chicken legs to the refrigerator and marinate for at least 1 hour, and no longer than 8 hours.

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.

Using tongs, arrange chicken legs on the baking sheet, allowing any excess marinade to drip off into the bag.

Roast the chicken legs on middle rack of oven until they are slightly brown, 20-30 minutes.

Set oven to broil. Broil until skin is caramelized and chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F, 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on chicken to ensure it does not burn.

Check to see that chicken is done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.

Serve with lime wedges and extra honey for drizzling, if desired.

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Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Marinade Magic 🍯
For maximum flavor penetration, marinate the chicken legs for at least 2-4 hours, preferably overnight in the refrigerator to allow the honey, lime, and spices to fully infuse the meat.
Skin Crisp Technique 🔥
Pat the chicken legs completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy exterior - moisture prevents proper browning and can lead to steaming instead of searing.
Spice Balance Trick 🌶️
Adjust the cayenne and chili powder ratios to control heat level - start with less and add more gradually to customize the spice intensity to your preference.
Lime Zest Boost 🍋
Grate fresh lime zest into the marinade for an extra layer of citrus intensity that goes beyond just the juice.
Honey Glaze Timing 🍽️
Apply the honey-based glaze in the last 5-7 minutes of cooking to prevent burning while creating a beautiful caramelized exterior.