– **Title**: Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Juice of 2 limes
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– Lime wedges and additional cilantro for garnish
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more flavor.
3. Preheat your grill or oven to 425°F (220°C).
4. If grilling, place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill and cook for about 7-8 minutes per side, until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. If baking, place the marinated chicken thighs in a baking dish skin-side up and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until the skin is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
6. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
7. Serve the chicken thighs garnished with lime wedges and additional cilantro on top. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I recommend bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for extra flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, skinless thighs or even chicken breasts can work, but cooking times may vary.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright flavor. If you’re not a fan, try parsley or basil as a milder alternative. Just note that the taste will change slightly.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is best for that zesty kick. If limes aren’t in season, bottled lime juice can substitute, but the fresh stuff wins for flavor!
Spices: Cumin and paprika are essential for an earthy flavor. If you want a bit of heat, consider adding cayenne pepper or chili powder. Adjust based on your heat preference!
Olive Oil: I love using olive oil for its rich taste, but avocado oil or canola oil can also be used if you prefer or if they’re what you have on hand.
How Can You Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating chicken is a great way to infuse flavor. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- Use a zip-top bag or bowl to coat chicken thighs completely.
- Let the chicken sit in the fridge—1 hour is good, but overnight is even better for deeper flavors!
Be sure to discard any marinade that comes into contact with raw chicken to keep things safe. Pat the chicken dry before grilling to achieve a better sear and crispy skin.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Extra chopped cilantro, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare the marinade, plus at least 1 hour for marinating the chicken (or up to overnight for deeper flavor). Grilling takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Overall, plan for about 30 minutes of cooking and marinating time combined, plus the extra time for marinating if you choose to do it overnight.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped cilantro, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Stir until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each thigh is well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight if you want more flavor.
3. Grill the Chicken Thighs:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. After marinating, take the chicken thighs out of the fridge and discard any excess marinade. Place the chicken thighs on the grill, skin side down. Grill for about 6-8 minutes until the skin is crispy.
4. Finish Grilling:
Carefully flip the chicken thighs and continue grilling for another 6-8 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—you’re looking for 165°F (75°C). The juices should run clear when the chicken is done.
5. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute within the meat for a juicier bite. Serve the chicken thighs with lime wedges and garnish with extra chopped cilantro. Enjoy your delicious cilantro lime chicken!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs can be used in place of bone-in thighs. Just reduce the grilling time to about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), since they cook faster without the bone.
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Cilantro?
If cilantro isn’t your thing, you can substitute it with fresh parsley for a different but fresh flavor. Alternatively, if you want a more robust herb flavor, consider using fresh oregano or mint, but adjust the quantities to your taste!
How to Store Leftover Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up in the oven or on the stovetop until heated through.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before adding the chicken. This can save you time and let the flavors meld even more!
