– **Title**: Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– Zest and juice of 2 limes
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Lime wedges and extra cilantro for garnish
– **Instructions**:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
2. Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, then pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure they are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
3. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the remaining marinade. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy and golden.
6. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. Garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro before serving.
Enjoy your flavorful Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are my top choice for juicy and flavorful results. If you’re looking for a healthier option, boneless, skinless thighs will also work but may cook faster, so keep an eye on them!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives a bright flavor to this dish. If cilantro isn’t your thing, you can use parsley for a different, but still fresh taste. Just know that it won’t have the same zing!
Lime Juice: The lime juice adds a great tang. Fresh limes are best, but if you’re in a pinch, bottled lime juice can work. Just start with a little less as it can be more concentrated.
Garlic: Fresh garlic boosts the flavor. If you’re out of fresh, use 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder per clove. I love the aromatic punch fresh garlic provides!
Spices: Cumin and paprika are essential; they add warmth and depth. If you don’t have paprika, smoked paprika can be an interesting twist. You could also experiment with chili powder for extra heat.
How Can You Make Sure Your Chicken is Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling chicken thighs can be tricky, so here are my tips for quality results:
- Marinate for at least 2-4 hours for the best flavor, but even 30 minutes works if you’re in a hurry.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high and clean the grates to prevent sticking. Oiling the grates helps too!
- When placing the chicken on the grill, start skin-side down. This helps it get crispy. Avoid flipping too soon—let it cook for 6-7 minutes.
- Check the internal temperature—165°F (75°C) is key for safety. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Let the chicken rest after grilling for a few minutes before serving to let the juices settle.
By following these steps, you’ll have deliciously grilled chicken every time!
How to Make Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
For Serving:
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to marinate the chicken. After that, grilling the chicken will take around 15 minutes. Overall, you can enjoy this delicious meal in under an hour, depending on your marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
Start by making the flavorful marinade. In a large bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix it well until all the ingredients are combined, creating a vibrant marinade that will coat the chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Now it’s time to add your chicken thighs to the marinade. Make sure each piece is well coated with the mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and pop it into the fridge. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, letting it sit for 2-4 hours will give you even more flavor!
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure your grill grates are clean and lightly oiled so the chicken doesn’t stick. Take the chicken out of the marinade, letting any excess drip off (but don’t throw away the marinade just yet). Discard the leftover marinade.
4. Cooking Time:
Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the hot grill. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes until the skin is nicely browned. Flip the chicken and cook for another 6-7 minutes. You want to make sure the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you have a meat thermometer, this is a good time to use it!
5. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is done, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices stay inside, making your chicken tender and juicy. When you’re ready to serve, garnish the chicken thighs with extra chopped cilantro and lime wedges for squeezing over the top. Enjoy your delicious cilantro lime chicken!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe! Just adjust the cooking time, as boneless thighs usually cook faster. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Cilantro?
No problem! If you don’t have fresh cilantro, you can use dried cilantro or parsley as a substitute. Use about 1 tablespoon of dried cilantro or 2 tablespoons of parsley. Just be aware that the flavor will be slightly different, but it will still taste great!
How to Store Leftover Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze them, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance. Just mix all the marinade ingredients in a bowl and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, add the chicken thighs and marinate as instructed. This can intensify the flavors beautifully!
