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To make cilantro lime chicken thighs, you will need: - 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes) - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) You can boost the taste with these options: - Extra lime zest for a zesty kick - A splash of honey for sweetness - A tablespoon of soy sauce for depth - Chopped jalapeños for more spice Each serving of cilantro lime chicken thighs has: - Calories: 320 - Protein: 24g - Fat: 23g - Carbohydrates: 3g - Fiber: 0g - Sugar: 0g - Sodium: 800mg This dish is both tasty and filling. It makes a great meal for any night. You can enjoy it with rice, salads, or grilled veggies. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a medium mixing bowl. Add 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice. This is about two limes. Next, chop 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro and toss it in. Then, mince three cloves of garlic and add them too. Pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Now, add 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. If you want some heat, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together until it blends well. This marinade packs a punch! Now, take your chicken thighs and place them in a resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour that tasty marinade over the chicken. Make sure each piece gets a good coat. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly. Put it in the fridge for at least one hour. For better flavor, let it sit overnight. This step makes the chicken juicy and full of flavor. You can cook the chicken thighs in two ways: grilling or baking. If you choose to grill, preheat your grill to 400°F (200°C). Oil the grates to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off the extra. Place the thighs skin-side down on the hot grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes. Then, flip them over and grill for another 6-7 minutes until the inside reaches 165°F (73.9°C). If you prefer baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) instead. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy. No matter your choice, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This helps keep the juices inside! Marinating is key for great flavor. Use fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl. Make sure to coat the chicken well. Place it in a bag or dish. Seal it tight and refrigerate. For best results, marinate overnight. This gives the chicken time to soak up all the tasty flavors. Cook your chicken thighs at 400°F (200°C). This keeps the meat juicy and the skin crispy. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. The chicken should reach 165°F (73.9°C) inside. This ensures it is safe to eat. If grilling, cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. If baking, aim for 30-35 minutes. Crispy skin makes the dish special. Start with skin-on chicken thighs. Before cooking, pat the skin dry with paper towels. This helps remove extra moisture. When cooking, place the chicken skin-side up if baking. If grilling, start skin-side down. Make sure your grill is hot. You can also brush a bit of olive oil on the skin for extra crunch. Pro Tips Marinate Longer: For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight. This allows the spices and lime juice to penetrate the meat thoroughly. Check Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C) for safe consumption. Resting Time: Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, making the meat more tender and juicy. Adjusting Heat: If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for extra kick. {{image_2}} You can mix up the flavors by using different herbs. Try parsley or basil instead of cilantro. They add a fresh taste. You can also switch spices. For more heat, use cayenne pepper instead of red pepper flakes. If you want a smoky flavor, add chipotle powder. Each option brings a new twist to your dish. If you want a quicker option, use an air fryer. Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken thighs in the basket. Cook for about 20-25 minutes. Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (73.9°C). The skin will still get crispy, and the chicken stays juicy. You can also use a slow cooker for tender chicken. Pair your cilantro lime chicken thighs with tasty sides. Rice or quinoa goes well to soak up the juices. A fresh salad adds crunch and color. Try a simple salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, and avocado. You can also serve grilled veggies for a healthy option. Corn on the cob or black beans make great sides too. Enjoy! After your meal, let the chicken cool down. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. To reheat, you can use an oven or stovetop. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes. On the stovetop, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist and warm the chicken for about 5-10 minutes. If you want to freeze the chicken, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. You should marinate chicken thighs for at least 1 hour. For the best taste, try marinating them overnight. This helps the flavors soak in deep. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs! They cook faster than bone-in ones. Just keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid drying them out. Cilantro lime chicken thighs pair well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Rice or quinoa for a complete meal - Grilled vegetables for added color and nutrition - A fresh salad with lime vinaigrette - Corn on the cob for a sweet contrast These sides match the bright flavors of the chicken and make the meal fun. This article shared how to make tasty cilantro lime chicken thighs. We covered the key ingredients, tasty marinade steps, and cooking methods. You learned tips for perfect skin and variations to try. We also included storage tips and answered common questions. Now, you’re ready to try this dish yourself. Enjoy cooking and savoring your delicious meal!

Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a zesty cilantro lime mixture, perfect for grilling or baking.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk together until well combined to create a marinade.
  • Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
  • Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C). If using a grill, oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  • Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, shaking off any excess. If grilling, place them skin-side down on the hot grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes. Flip and grill for another 6-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (73.9°C).
  • If baking, place the chicken thighs skin-side up on a greased baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through and the skin is crispy.
  • Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate overnight.
Keyword baking, chicken, cilantro, grilling, lime