Description
This vibrant Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe features tender, marinated boneless chicken thighs infused with fresh cilantro and zesty lime, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining. The versatile cooking methods include stovetop grilling, oven baking, and grilling, making it adaptable to your preference. Juicy, flavorful, and aromatic, this dish pairs well with rice, salads, or tacos.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Marinade
- 1 cup cilantro leaves, packed (about 1/2 bunch)
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1/4 cup lime juice (about 3 limes)
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
Chicken
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 2 lb)
Garnish
- Cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Blend Marinade: Add all the marinade ingredients to a blender and pulse until smooth. This creates a fragrant, flavorful base for your chicken.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a bowl or ziplock bag, pour the marinade over, and ensure each piece is evenly coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
- Option 1 – Stovetop Grilling: Heat a cast iron grill pan over medium-high heat, brush with olive oil. Grill each chicken thigh for about 5 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, checking with a digital meat thermometer.
- Option 2 – Oven Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange marinated chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Option 3 – Grilling: Sear chicken over the hottest part of the grill for 2-3 minutes per side, then move to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking. Boneless thighs take about 4-5 minutes per side; bone-in thighs may take up to 15 minutes per side. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Notes
- For more intense flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours.
- If using bone-in thighs, increase baking time to about 45 minutes and grilling time accordingly.
- Serve garnished with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges for an added punch of freshness.
- This dish pairs well with rice, salads, or wrapped in warm tortillas for tacos.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
