Description
Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs feature tender chicken infused with bright cilantro and zesty lime flavors. This quick and easy recipe uses fresh herbs, natural seasonings, and a simple marinade to create a juicy, flavorful dish perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings. Versatile and wholesome, it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides or can be used in wraps and salads.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 6 chicken thighs, bone-in or boneless
Marinade
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine freshly chopped cilantro, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until well blended to form a fragrant, tangy marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-lock bag or bowl and pour the marinade over them. Massage the marinade into the meat ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for quick flavor, or up to 4 hours for deeper infusion.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil. Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and place them skin-side down to sear until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for another 6-7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in juices. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro and lime wedges for that extra pop of freshness before serving.
Notes
- Marinate Longer: The longer you marinate, the more pronounced the lime and cilantro flavors will be in the meat.
- Get the Skin Crispy: Pat the chicken dry before cooking to ensure a deliciously crispy exterior.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed lime juice and chopped cilantro make a significant difference compared to bottled or dried versions.
- Monitor the Heat: Cook over medium rather than high heat to avoid burning the marinade while ensuring the chicken cooks evenly.
- Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked, juicy chicken every time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: cilantro lime chicken, chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, gluten free chicken, quick dinner, herb chicken, lime chicken