Cilantro lime chicken thighs are juicy and full of flavor! Marinated in zesty lime and fresh cilantro, they bring a bright taste to your plate that’s hard to resist.
Honestly, the aroma alone will make everyone come running. I love serving them with rice or tacos for a fun and tasty meal. You’ll be licking your plate clean, trust me!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Whether you go for bone-in and skin-on or boneless and skinless, chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful. If you prefer a leaner option, you can also use chicken breasts, but be mindful of cooking times.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro packs a punch of flavor. If you’re not a fan, parsley can be a milder substitute. Just keep in mind it won’t have the same vibrant taste, but it will still add a fresh touch.
Lime Juice & Zest: Freshly squeezed lime juice is always best for this dish, as it gives a bright flavor. If you don’t have fresh limes, bottled lime juice works, but use less to keep it from being too acidic. Don’t skip the zest though, as it adds extra aroma and taste.
Spices: Ground cumin and chili powder amplify the flavor. If you want a little kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder flavor, omit the chili powder or use smoked paprika instead.
How Do I Marinate Chicken for the Best Flavor?
Marinating is a key step that allows the flavors to soak into the chicken. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the chicken will be. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Mix your marinade well so all ingredients blend together.
- Use a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish to ensure easy coating.
- For best results, refrigerate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but overnight is ideal!
When ready to grill, shake off excess marinade to prevent flare-ups. This ensures a nice, even cook and great grill marks! Happy cooking!
How to Make Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lime, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on or boneless, skinless)
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Extra cilantro, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour to marinate the chicken (preferably overnight for extra flavor). Grilling the chicken will take around 12 to 14 minutes. So, set aside a little time for marinating and grilling, and you’ll have a tasty dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped cilantro, minced garlic, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed, creating a lovely green marinade that’s full of flavor.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
To marinate the chicken, place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the thighs, making sure they’re well coated with the mixture. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you can wait. This will help the flavors soak right into the chicken.
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, prepare it for direct grilling. Once the grill is hot, take the chicken thighs out of the marinade, letting any excess drip off (and be sure to discard the leftover marinade!). Now, grill the chicken thighs for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they’re cooked through and have delightful grill marks. You can check if they’re done by using a meat thermometer—look for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
4. Let It Rest and Serve:
After grilling, remove the thighs from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep them juicy. When you’re ready to serve, garnish the chicken with extra cilantro and add lime wedges on the side for a refreshing squeeze of lime juice over the top. Enjoy your delicious Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs are juicier and tend to stay moist on the grill, you can use chicken breasts if that’s what you have on hand. Just remember that chicken breasts generally cook faster, so grill them for about 5-6 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Can I Make This Recipe with Dried Cilantro?
Fresh cilantro is recommended for the best flavor, but you can use dried cilantro in a pinch! Use about 1 tablespoon of dried cilantro, but keep in mind that the flavor won’t be as vibrant. Add it to the marinade but let it sit for a bit longer to help enhance the flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop the chicken in the microwave or warm it up in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of lime juice for extra flavor and moisture.
Can I Freeze the Marinated Chicken?
Yes! You can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Just place the marinated chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before grilling for best results.
