Description
This vibrant Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe features tender, marinated chicken thighs that are perfectly cooked using your preferred method—whether grilling, baking, or stovetop. The zesty lime and fresh cilantro marinade infuse the chicken with bold flavors, making it a versatile and delicious dish suitable for any occasion. Serve with lime wedges and fresh cilantro for a bright, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Marinade
- 1 cup cilantro leaves, packed (about 1/2 bunch)
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1/4 cup lime juice (about 3 limes)
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
Chicken
- 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 2 lb)
Garnish
- Cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Add cilantro leaves, lime zest, lime juice, chopped garlic, cumin, salt, black pepper, and olive oil to a blender. Pulse until smooth to create a vibrant marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a bowl or ziplock bag, then pour the marinade over them. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours for best flavor.
- Choose Cooking Method: Decide whether to cook on the stovetop, bake in the oven, or grill based on your preference.
- Stovetop Method: Heat a cast iron grill pan over medium-high heat and brush with olive oil. Grill each chicken piece for about 5 minutes per side until fully cooked and an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.
- Oven Baked Method: Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Grilling Method: Sear chicken over high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, then move to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking until the internal temperature is 165°F. Adjust cooking times for bone-in thighs as needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Marinating for longer than 4 hours may result in overly mushy cilantro texture.
- Adjust lime juice to taste for a more tangy or milder flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- For extra smoky flavor, use a charcoal grill or add wood chips to your grill.
- This dish pairs well with rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh (about 3 oz)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
