Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs Recipe
Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs are marinated in a zesty blend of fresh cilantro, lime zest and juice, chili powder, and cumin, then grilled to juicy perfection. This vibrant and flavorful dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend cookout, delivering a delicious combination of tangy, smoky, and savory notes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including minimum marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Marinade
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped cilantro, 2 tablespoons olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs and the marinade into a gallon-size Ziploc bag or a large bowl, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, up to overnight, turning occasionally to marinate evenly.
- Heat the Grill Pan: Remove the chicken from the marinade and drain off excess liquid. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a cast iron grill pan over medium-high heat until hot.
- Cook the Chicken: Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer on the grill pan. Cook each side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the pan and serve immediately while hot, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight to allow the cilantro and lime to penetrate deeply.
- If you don’t have a grill pan, you can cook the chicken on a preheated outdoor grill or a regular skillet.
- Make sure to cook chicken thighs completely to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure safety.
- Serve with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/cilantro-lime-chicken-thighs-recipe/
