Spicy Honey Lime Chicken Thighs (Keto, Paleo, AIP, GAPS, VAD)

You'll love the sweet, spicy and citrusy sauce that caramelizes on these easy-to-cook chicken thighs. Perfect for a weekly delicious dinner entrée!

Course DInner

Cuisine American, Thai

Keyword aip, Chicken Thighs, keto, low carb, paleo, Spicy Honey Lime

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings people

Calories 382kcal

Author Megan

Cost $14

2 pounds chicken thighs : boneless, skinless (about 8 thighs)
1/4 cup liquid sweetener : honey for Paleo, AIP, GAPS and VAD (maple syrup may also be used if preferred) For Keto, use one that replaces honey 1:1 (like this or this but not stevia or Splenda's Stevia Sweetener).
2 Tablespoons coconut aminos
2 Tablespoons lime juice , fresh, from one whole lime
2 Tablespoons avocado oil
4 cloves garlic minced or crushed (omit for VAD)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon EACH: cayenne , paprika, cumin, garlic powder, white or black pepper, and chili powder (These spices create a Sriracha Spice Blend.); for the AIP, VAD, nightshade-free and less-spicy version of this spice blend, see Recipe Notes below

Combine low carb sweetener or honey, coconut aminos, lime juice, garlic and sea salt in a small bowl. Stir to combine, and set aside.
In a medium size bowl, combine the Sriracha Spice Blend spices. Stir together. Dip one side of the chicken thighs into the dish of Sriracha Spice Blend (or nightshade-free, less-spicy variation).
Heat large dry skillet over medium-high heat until very hot but not yet smoking (this will take 1 to 3 minutes). Add the avocado oil and swirl to coat briefly. Add the chicken thighs in a single layer. Cook the chicken until browned on both sides: about 5 to 6 minutes on the first side, then reduce the heat to medium and 4 minutes on the second side.
Add the honey-lime sauce. Cook the chicken, turning over occasionally (I use tongs), until cooked through, about 10 minutes. The sauce will thicken, caramelize (expect lots of tiny bubbles as the sauce caramelizes) and reduce slightly. (Note: The Keto version of this recipe does not caramelize. You'll end up with a delicious sauce! that's not quite as thick.)
Sprinkle the chicken with chives or greens of green onions, if desired (omit for VAD). Serve with optional lime slices over cooked cauliflower rice, or Basmati rice for GF and VAD.

AIP Spice Blend

In small bowl, stir together 1/2 teaspoon of each: dried ginger, onion powder and garlic powder. Add 1/4 teaspoon turmeric and stir again.

In small bowl, stir together:
- 1/2 teaspoon each: dried ginger powder, cumin, white or black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder.
- For VAD: 1 teaspoon of each: dried ginger and cumin.