Description
Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs are a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken thighs marinated in a zesty blend of lime juice, garlic, fresh cilantro, and aromatic spices. Perfectly grilled or pan-seared, this recipe delivers a bright and savory meal that’s quick to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 6–8 chicken thighs (boneless or bone-in, skin-on or skinless)
Marinade
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 2 limes
- Zest of 1 lime
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of chili flakes for heat
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, paprika, black pepper, and chili flakes if using, to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and thoroughly coat them with the marinade, ensuring every piece is well covered.
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for deeper flavor, refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat Cooking Surface: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat to get it ready for cooking the chicken.
- Cook Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill or skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes per side until the chicken is golden, cooked through, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the cooked chicken with additional fresh cilantro and lime wedges, then serve hot for a bright and delicious meal.
Notes
- You can use either boneless or bone-in chicken thighs based on preference; bone-in may take slightly longer to cook.
- Marinating overnight enhances the lime and cilantro flavors for a more intense taste.
- If grilling outdoors isn’t an option, a heavy skillet or grill pan on the stovetop works equally well.
- Adjust chili flakes according to desired spice level or omit for mild flavor.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
