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
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Drain excess marinade from chicken, letting it drip off completely to avoid burning during cooking.
- Grill or bake chicken thighs for 25-30 minutes, rotating periodically to ensure even caramelization and crispy exterior.
- Check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer to guarantee food safety and perfect doneness.
- Transfer to serving platter and sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro for a vibrant finish.
- 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