Chili Lime Agave Chicken
- Debney
- Jun 19
- 2 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
This post may contain affiliate links.
Sticky, citrusy grilled chicken tossed in a chili-lime agave sauce. This build is packed with flavor and perfect for a backyard cookout or easy weeknight dinner.
The combination of sticky sauce and citrusy marinade creates a simple but chef-level build that works year-round.

The full build starts by marinating the chicken in a simple lime-soy mix, grilling over medium heat, and tossing with the chili-lime agave pan sauce right before serving.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED (scroll to full ingredient list)
DIRECTIONS
STEP 1: MARINATE
Combine the marinade ingredients in a food storage container or bowl and fully coat the chicken.
Allow to marinate in the refrigerator for 4 hours, or at least 1 hour.

STEP 2: GRILL
Grill the chicken over medium heat flipping occasionally.
Boneless thighs: 12-15 mins
Bone-in Wings: 20-25 mins
Alternatively, the chicken can be cooked at 400°F in the air fryer or oven.
Boneless thighs: for 25-30 mins with a flip halfway through.
Bone-in Wings: 35-45 mins with a flip halfway through.
The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 175°F.
STEP 3: SAUCE
Preheat a skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
Sauté the garlic with olive oil just until it starts to brown and get fragrant, then reduce heat to low.
Quickly add in the lime juice, soy sauce, and butter so the garlic doesn’t burn.
Add chili powder, red pepper, and agave.
Simmer on low for a few minutes until it begins to thicken.
SAUCE CONSISTENCY
Note this sauce is a sticky glaze, not a super thick sauce. To make it thick, mix together 1 TBSP cornstarch + 2 TBSP cold water in a small bowl, then mix with the sauce at the end.
STEP 5: SERVE
Check for salt, and add as desired.
Then add the chicken to coat it in the sauce.
Garnish the chicken with chopped cilantro and serve with fresh lime wedges.

INGREDIENTS
Makes 4-5 servings
2 lbs boneless chicken thighs or 2.5-3 lbs bone-in wings
MARINADE
Zest of 1 lime
2 limes, juiced
2 TBSP soy sauce, low-sodium
1/4 C neutral oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
CHILI-LIME AGAVE SAUCE
1/4 C agave syrup
1 lime, juiced
2 tsp chili powder
2 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
1 TBSP soy sauce, low-sodium
2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
3 TBSP butter, unsalted
Kosher salt to taste
GARNISHES
Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
Lime wedges
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