Description
Succulent cilantro lime chicken thighs deliver a zesty Mexican-inspired flavor explosion straight to dinner tables. Juicy marinated chicken emerges perfectly seasoned, promising a delightful meal you’ll savor with every tender, aromatic bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on or boneless, skinless)
Marinade Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 limes (juiced)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish (Optional):
- Lime wedges
- Additional cilantro
Instructions
- Craft a zesty marinade by whisking together lime juice, garlic, cilantro, olive oil, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl until thoroughly integrated.
- Transfer chicken thighs into a resealable plastic bag or shallow container, thoroughly coating each piece with the prepared marinade. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours, allowing flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F) approximately 10 minutes before cooking. Remove chicken from marinade, discarding excess liquid, and ensure no residual marinade remains.
- Position chicken thighs on the heated surface, grilling for 6-7 minutes per side. Achieve golden exterior with distinct grill marks while ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F, indicating complete cooking.
- After grilling, transfer chicken to a resting surface for 5 minutes to retain moisture and redistribute internal juices. Plate the chicken, optionally garnishing with fresh cilantro sprigs and lime wedges for added visual appeal and complementary citrus notes.
Notes
- Marinate chicken in a ziplock bag to ensure even coating and minimize cleanup.
- For extra zesty flavor, add fresh lime zest to the marinade before mixing.
- Create a gluten-free version by using tamari instead of traditional soy sauce if included in original recipe.
- Transform this dish into a low-carb meal by serving with cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables instead of traditional sides.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg