Zesty Chili Lime Chicken Thighs Recipe: A Flavor Explosion

Sunkissed summer nights call for deliciously zesty chili lime chicken thighs that dance with vibrant flavors.

Marinating meat becomes an art form when bright citrus meets spicy peppers.

Bold seasonings transform ordinary proteins into extraordinary meals everyone craves.

Our recipe promises a perfect balance between heat and tanginess that will make taste buds sing.

Mediterranean-inspired techniques bring complexity to simple ingredients, creating magic in your kitchen.

Each bite delivers a punch of tropical excitement that surprises and delights.

You won’t believe how easy it is to craft such an impressive dish that looks like it came from a professional chef’s kitchen.

Chili + Lime + Chicken = One Zesty Love Story

• Burst with Flavor: Packed with zesty lime, warm chili spices, and a touch of honey, these chicken thighs deliver an explosion of tantalizing tastes in every bite.
• Customize Your Cooking: Versatile recipe works perfectly on both grill and oven, giving you flexibility to prepare based on your kitchen setup or weather conditions.
• Quick Marinating Magic: Simple marinade process takes minimal effort while infusing deep, rich flavors into the chicken, ensuring a delicious meal with minimal preparation time.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Mild spices and crowd-pleasing ingredients make this dish appealing to both adults and kids, creating a satisfying meal everyone will enjoy together.

What You Need for Chili Lime Chicken That Pops

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful cut of chicken that absorbs marinades beautifully and provides rich taste.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and creates a smooth, even coating for the chicken.
• Lime Juice, Lime Zest: Adds bright, tangy citrus flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
• Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps create caramelization during cooking.
• Garlic: Offers a pungent, aromatic base that enhances overall flavor profile.

• Chili Powder, Paprika, Cumin, Oregano: Creates a complex, warm spice mixture that adds depth and southwestern-style seasoning.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the other flavors.

• Cilantro, Lime Wedges: Fresh herbs and citrus that brighten the final dish and add a zesty, fresh finish.

Fire Up Flavor with Chili Lime Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Whip Up Zesty Marinade

• Olive oil
• Lime juice
• Lime zest
• Minced garlic
• Chili powder
• Paprika
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Honey

Whisk ingredients until they create a smooth, fragrant mixture that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Bathe Chicken in Flavor

Transfer chicken thighs into a large bowl or resealable plastic bag.

Pour the marinade over the chicken, massaging it thoroughly to ensure every inch gets coated. Seal and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours, letting the flavors mingle and infuse.

Step 3: Prepare Cooking Surface

Heat grill or oven to medium-high temperature around 375°F. For grilling, lightly brush grates with oil.

For baking, line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

Step 4: Cook Chicken to Perfection

Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip away.

Place chicken on grill or baking sheet. Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping occasionally, until skin turns golden and crispy.

Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the chicken.

Arrange lime wedges alongside for an extra burst of citrusy brightness. Plate and enjoy your mouthwatering chili lime chicken thighs!

Make Your Chili Lime Chicken Even More Irresistible

• Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor penetration and tenderness.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F without overcooking.
• Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve crispy, golden-brown skin with better caramelization.
• Substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan alternative or adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing chili powder.
• Let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to retain juices and maximize moisture.

Want a Twist? Try These Chili Lime Chicken Variants

• Spicy Mango Marinade: Replace honey with pureed mango and add a dash of red pepper flakes for a tropical heat-infused chicken variation.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Swap chili powder with dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Include crumbled feta cheese as a final garnish for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.
• Coconut Curry Version: Substitute olive oil with coconut milk, add curry powder instead of chili powder, and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top after cooking for an exotic flavor profile.
• Asian Sesame Transformation: Replace lime juice with rice vinegar, add sesame oil, swap honey for brown sugar, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions for an Asian-inspired chicken recipe.

What Works Best with Chili Lime Chicken

• Pair with Zesty Mexican Beer: Crisp and light Mexican lagers like Corona or Modelo Especial perfectly complement the chili lime chicken's tangy and spicy profile, cutting through the richness.
• Create Refreshing Cilantro Margarita: Blend fresh lime juice, tequila, cilantro, and a touch of agave for a cocktail that mirrors the recipe's bright and bold flavors, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Match with Cooling Avocado Salsa: Prepare a fresh salsa combining diced avocados, red onions, jalapeños, and lime juice to provide a creamy, cool contrast to the spicy and grilled chicken thighs.

Save Your Chili Lime Chicken for Later (and Love It Again)

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store cooled chicken thighs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze Portions: Wrap individual chicken thighs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags, preserving quality for up to 3 months with minimal freezer burn.
• Oven Reheat: Warm refrigerated chicken at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain juicy texture.
• Microwave Quick Option: Heat refrigerated chicken on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stopping midway to turn pieces, ensuring even warming without overcooking.

Chili Lime Chicken Answers You Didn’t Know You Needed

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but adjust cooking time to prevent drying out. Chicken breasts cook faster and might need 15-20 minutes instead of 25-30 minutes.

• Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?

Marinating helps infuse flavor and tenderize the meat. While not mandatory, marinating for at least 30 minutes significantly enhances taste and juiciness of the chicken.

• What if I don't have fresh lime?

You can use bottled lime juice, though fresh lime provides better flavor. If fresh lime is unavailable, substitute with lemon juice for a similar tangy profile.

• How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature. Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches 165°F (74°C).

Chili Lime Chicken Thighs Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 55-60 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Zesty chili lime chicken thighs dance with bold Mexican-inspired flavors, delivering a spicy and tangy culinary experience. Bold marinades and quick grilling create a perfect weeknight meal that will excite your taste buds.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lime, zested and juiced
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft a zesty marinade by whisking olive oil, lime juice, zest, minced garlic, chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and honey into a harmonious blend.
2. Submerge chicken thighs completely in the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
3. Heat grill or oven to 375°F (190°C). Clean and lightly oil grill grates or line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
4. Drain excess marinade from chicken, letting it drip off completely to avoid burning during cooking.
5. Grill or bake chicken thighs for 25-30 minutes, rotating periodically to ensure even caramelization and crispy exterior.
6. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer to guarantee food safety and perfect doneness.
7. Transfer to serving platter and sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro for a vibrant finish.
8. Accompany with lime wedges to allow guests to enhance citrus flavors according to their preference.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for maximum flavor by letting it sit in the mixture for up to 4 hours, which allows the spices to deeply penetrate the meat.
• Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure crispy, golden-brown skin that seals in juices and creates a delightful texture.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, preventing overcooking and maintaining the chicken’s tenderness and moisture.
• Swap honey with maple syrup or agave for a vegan-friendly alternative that keeps the sweet and tangy profile of the dish.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 120mg