Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs
Tender and juicy chicken thighs marinated in a zesty cilantro and lime mixture, perfect for weeknight meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- ΒΌ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves adds freshness
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil divided, adds moisture and richness
- 1 tablespoon lime zest provides bright, citrus aroma
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice adds acidity and flavor depth
- 2 teaspoons chili powder contributes mild heat
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin adds warmth and earthiness
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt enhances overall flavor
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper adds subtle spice
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs offers tenderness and moisture
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium bowl, combine the chopped cilantro, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients well until they form a cohesive marinade.
- In a gallon-size Ziploc bag or large bowl, combine the chicken thighs with the cilantro marinade. Make sure each piece of chicken is well coated in the marinade. Close the bag or cover the bowl and allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight.
Cooking
- After marinating, drain the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a cast iron grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Working in batches, add the chicken to the grill pan in a single layer. Cook the chicken until it is golden brown and completely cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- Serve the chicken immediately after cooking.
Notes
Allow the chicken to rest a few minutes after cooking for juicier results. You can also add more lime juice to the marinade if you prefer a stronger citrus flavor.