This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This Grilled Ginger Lime Chicken comes from an old Weight Watchers Weekly (May 27–June 2, 2012), one of the many issues that introduced me to recipes I still make years later.
The original recipe called for broiling the chicken, but after reading the reviews, I decided to fire up the grill instead. I’m glad I did. The smoky flavor from the grill pairs beautifully with the ginger-lime marinade, and the chicken stays juicy and tender with just a little char around the edges.
Made with soy sauce, fresh lime juice, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey, the marinade comes together in minutes. Whether you serve the chicken with rice, grilled vegetables, or sliced over a salad, it’s one of those simple recipes that’s earned a permanent place in my summer grilling rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Ginger Lime Chicken
- Bright, fresh ginger-lime flavor.
- Tender, juicy chicken every time.
- Simple marinade with everyday ingredients.
- Perfect for grilling season.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Low-sodium soy sauce – Forms the savory base of the marinade. Gluten-free tamari works well if needed.
- Fresh lime juice and lime zest – Add bright citrus flavor. Fresh limes are strongly recommended.
- Fresh ginger – Gives the chicken its signature warm, zesty flavor. Fresh ginger works much better than ground ginger here.
- Garlic – Adds savory depth to the marinade.
- Honey – Balances the acidity of the lime and helps the chicken caramelize on the grill.
- Olive oil – Helps carry the flavors and keeps the chicken moist. Avocado oil is another good choice.
- Crushed red pepper flakes – Add a gentle kick. Use more or less depending on your preference.
- Fresh cilantro – Adds fresh herbal flavor both in the marinade and as a garnish. If cilantro isn’t your favorite, simply leave it out.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs – Stay juicy on the grill and absorb the marinade beautifully. Boneless chicken breasts also work well but may cook a little faster.
- Scallions – Sprinkle over the finished chicken for a fresh finishing touch.
How to Make Grilled Ginger Lime Chicken
- Make marinade. In a small glass bowl, combine the soy sauce, lime juice, lime zest, ginger, garlic, honey, oil and 2 tablespoons of the cilantro. Remove and reserve 2 tablespoons of the marinade to use for basting when you cook the chicken.
- Marinate chicken. Place the chicken in a plastic zipper bag and add the marinade. Squeeze the air from the bag and close it. Place the bag of chicken in the refrigerator to marinate for 2 to 4 hours.
- Grill chicken. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for 6 to 8 minutes. Flip and brush the chicken with the reserved marinade. Grill until the chicken is cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes more.
- Serve. To serve, place the grilled chicken on a platter and sprinkle with the scallions and remaining cilantro.
Tips for Success
- Marinate for at least 2 hours for the best flavor.
- Reserve the basting marinade before adding the raw chicken.
- Grill over medium heat rather than very high heat, since the honey can cause the chicken to brown quickly.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- steamed jasmine or brown rice
- grilled broccoli or asparagus
- grilled zucchini
- cucumber salad
- Asian slaw
- rice noodles
- quinoa
- sliced over a green salad
- tucked into lettuce wraps
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
The chicken is delicious sliced cold over salads or reheated for rice bowls and wraps.
Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months.
How Many Calories and WW Points?
According to my calculations, each serving has 229 calories and 5 WW Points.
To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
5 PointsPlus (Old plan)
If you’ve made this Ginger-Lime Grilled Chicken, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.
Grilled Ginger Lime Chicken Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 teaspoons finely grated lime zest
- 2 tablespoons finely minced or grated ginger root
- 2 medium garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro, divided
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons finely minced scallions
Instructions
- In a small glass bowl, combine the soy sauce, lime juice, lime zest, ginger, garlic, honey, oil and 2 tablespoons of the cilantro. Remove and reserve 2 tablespoons of the marinade to use for basting when you cook the chicken.
- Place the chicken in a plastic zipper bag and add the marinade. Squeeze the air from the bag and close it. Place the bag of chicken in the refrigerator to marinate for 2 to 4 hours.
- Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for 6 to 8 minutes.
- Flip and brush the chicken with the reserved marinade. Grill until the chicken is cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes more.
- To serve, place the grilled chicken on a platter and sprinkle with the scallions and remaining cilantro.
Notes
(Must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.) 5 PointsPlus (Old plan) I used boneless skinless thighs instead of breasts, but either will work. And the recipe called for chili oil, which I didn’t have, so I substituted olive oil and added about a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes instead.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts?
Yes. Boneless skinless chicken breasts work well but will cook a little faster than thighs.
Can I bake this instead?
Yes. Bake at 400°F until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 20–25 minutes depending on thickness.
Can I marinate overnight?
Yes. Anywhere from 2 to 12 hours works well. I wouldn’t go much longer because the lime juice can begin to change the texture of the chicken.
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely. It’s great for meal prep and leftovers.
Is it very spicy?
No. The red pepper flakes add just a mild amount of heat and can easily be reduced or omitted.
Great flavor and very tender. I will be making this again!
This is a fabulous recipe! It is simple and very tasty which is not always easy to find when your goal is health. I fed my house full of picky grown boys and they all loved it and ask for it often now! I usually tweak recipes I find a bit to fit all of our tastes, but with this one I only add a little more garlic. Which isn’t necessary at all, I’m just a garlic fiend!
Hi Aubrie,
Thanks so much for taking the time to let me know how much you and your family of picky grown boys likes this grilled ginger lime chicken. We had the same reaction the first time we tried it. I’m with you, a little more garlic always works with me too 🙂
I love this recipe. A summer favorite!
I know mad! It’s a winner!!
Gosh this recipe sounds good! It’s a perfect meal for those of us not wanting to pack on weight but still have a great dinner.
I love ginger lime chicken. This is making me very hungry!