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Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs

Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs


  • Author: Michael
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Juicy, flavorful Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs made with fresh herbs, zesty lime, and simple ingredients create a quick and delicious meal full of vibrant colors and bold tastes. Tender chicken thighs marinated in a bright cilantro and lime mixture balance tangy and savory flavors perfectly for a satisfying dinner.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs

Marinade

  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine lime juice, chopped fresh cilantro, minced garlic, olive oil, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until well blended to infuse the chicken with bright, herbaceous flavor and balanced acidity.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1 hour or longer for best flavor penetration.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 6-7 minutes until skin is crisp and golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for another 6-7 minutes until cooked through. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. Rest and Serve: Transfer cooked chicken thighs to a plate and let rest for five minutes to lock in juices, maintaining tenderness and flavor when served.

Notes

  • Marinate longer for deeper flavor and tenderness.
  • Pat chicken skin dry before cooking to achieve crispiness.
  • Use a cast-iron skillet for even heat retention and a perfect golden crust.
  • Adjust lime juice to balance acidity to your taste preference.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking and browning without steaming.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Pan-Frying
  • Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: cilantro lime chicken, chicken thighs, quick chicken recipe, gluten free, cilantro marinade, lime chicken