Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs are juicy and full of flavor! With zesty lime and fresh cilantro, every bite is a little fiesta in your mouth. Plus, they’re super easy to make!
When I cook these thighs, my kitchen smells amazing. I usually serve them with rice or in tacos, and they always disappear quickly. Trust me, you’ll be a star at dinner time! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide great flavor and moisture. If you prefer, you can use boneless chicken thighs, but they may cook faster, so keep an eye on them.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can substitute with parsley, though the taste will differ slightly.
Limes: Fresh lime juice is essential for brightness; bottled lime juice won’t taste as fresh. If limes are unavailable, another citrus like lemon can work in a pinch.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic offers the best flavor. You could use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh garlic elevates the dish much more.
Spices: Cumin and paprika are key for depth; don’t skip these! If you like it spicy, add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
How Do I Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating is a great way to infuse flavor into your chicken. To do this, combine all your marinade ingredients in a bowl, then add the chicken thighs. Make sure every part of the chicken is coated well. Cover and refrigerate it for at least an hour or, for the best results, overnight. This allows the flavors to really penetrate the meat.
- Combine cilantro, lime juice, garlic, olive oil, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken thighs in the marinade and cover the bowl tightly.
- Chill in the refrigerator to enhance flavors.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 limes, juiced (plus lime wedges for garnish)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe needs about 10 minutes for preparation, plus at least 1 hour of marinating time. If you can, let the chicken marinate overnight for even better flavor. The grilling takes about 15 minutes. So, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 25 minutes in total if you marinate for an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. In it, combine the chopped cilantro, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, ground cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Use a spoon or whisk to mix everything together until it’s nicely combined. This mixture is going to flavor your chicken beautifully!
2. Coat the Chicken Thighs:
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and make sure they’re all well coated. You can cover the bowl with plastic wrap to keep the flavor in, or you can transfer everything to a zip-top bag. Pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or if you want to take it up a notch, marinate it overnight!
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will help get that nice char on the chicken! While the grill is heating up, take the chicken out of the fridge.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the marinade—you won’t need it anymore. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Grill them for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is beautifully charred and crispy. Then, flip the thighs over and grill for another 5-7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Let It Rest and Serve:
Once done, take the chicken thighs off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy! Serve the chicken warm, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side. Enjoy your flavor-packed meal!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead of Bone-In?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs can be used, but they will cook faster. Adjust your grilling time to about 4-6 minutes per side, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Cilantro?
No problem! You can substitute with fresh parsley for a milder flavor, or use dried cilantro at a ratio of 1:3 (1 tablespoon dried cilantro for every 3 tablespoons fresh). Just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so adjust your amounts accordingly.
How to Store Leftover Chicken Thighs?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave on medium power, or place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also chop it up for salads or wraps!
Can I Marinate the Chicken for More Than One Night?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken thighs overnight for a more intense flavor. However, if you decide to marinate for longer than 24 hours, the acidity from the lime juice can start to break down the chicken, affecting the texture. Aim for around 24 hours for the best results!
