Easy Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs (Juicy, Flavorful, and Quick!)

These Easy Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs are a burst of fresh, zesty flavor! Tender, juicy chicken thighs are marinated in a vibrant mixture of cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and spices, then pan-seared to perfection. I love how this recipe is both incredibly easy to make and packed with deliciousness. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or adding to tacos, salads, or bowls. Get ready for chicken thighs that are anything but boring!

Why You'll Love These Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs

• Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and spices creates a bright and vibrant flavor profile.
• Tender and Juicy: Using chicken thighs ensures the meat stays incredibly tender and juicy during cooking.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe uses simple ingredients and comes together quickly.
• Versatile: Serve these chicken thighs on their own, in tacos, salads, bowls, or with your favorite sides.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Cook a batch ahead of time and use it for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Ingredients for Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs

Here's what you'll need to make this flavorful chicken. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

Main Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (Meat)
• Olive oil (Oil)
• Chopped fresh cilantro (Herb)
• Lime juice (Acid)
• Minced garlic cloves (Aromatic)

Seasoning

• Red pepper flakes (Spice)
• Cumin (Spice)
• Paprika (Spice)
• Salt (Seasoning)
• Black pepper (Spice)

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)

Variations

I love these Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs as is, but here are a few ideas for variations:

• Make it Spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or a finely diced jalapeño to the marinade.
• Add Orange Juice: Substitute some of the lime juice with orange juice for a different citrus twist.
• Different Herbs: Use a combination of cilantro and mint or parsley.
• Add Yogurt: Add a few tablespoons of plain yogurt to the marinade for extra tenderness.
• Grill the Chicken: Grill the chicken thighs instead of pan-searing them for a smoky flavor.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs

Let me show you how easy it is to make these Easy Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs:

Prepare the Marinade

1. I add all of the ingredients, except the chicken thighs, to a small mixing bowl and whisk until well combined. This includes the olive oil, chopped fresh cilantro, lime juice, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Marinate the Chicken

1. Next, I add the chicken thighs to a large mixing bowl.
2. I pour the marinade over the chicken and use kitchen tongs to toss the chicken until it is well coated.
3. I let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes uncovered at room temperature, or for up to 2 hours, covered, in the fridge. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be!

Cook the Chicken

1. I heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Once the skillet is hot, I add a teaspoon of oil to the pan.
3. Next, I add the chicken thighs (shaking off any excess marinade) and cook for five to six minutes per side, or until no longer pink and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74°C).

Serve

1. Once the chicken is finished cooking, I transfer it to a serving dish.
2. I squeeze extra fresh lime juice and sprinkle chopped cilantro over the chicken before serving.

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Chicken Thighs

Here are my secrets for making these chicken thighs truly exceptional:

• Use Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are more flavorful and stay juicier than chicken breasts, especially with marinades.
• Marinate for Flavor: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes (and ideally longer) really infuses it with the cilantro-lime flavor.
• Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure it gets a nice sear instead of steaming.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: The best way to ensure perfectly cooked chicken is to use a meat thermometer.
• Fresh Lime Juice and Cilantro: Fresh lime juice and cilantro provide the brightest, most vibrant flavors.

How to Serve

These Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs are incredibly versatile. Here are a few serving ideas:

• Tacos: Slice the chicken and serve it in tortillas with your favorite taco toppings.
• Salads: Add sliced chicken to salads for a flavorful protein boost.
• Bowls: Serve over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice with black beans, corn, and salsa for a delicious bowl.
• With Sides: Serve alongside roasted vegetables, grilled corn, or a simple side salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours. Leftover cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet, microwave, or oven.

FAQs about Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
  • Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Pound them to an even thickness and be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more easily than thighs.
• Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-searing it?
  • Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
• Can I make this without the cilantro?
  • The cilantro is a key flavor component, but if you dislike it, you could substitute it with parsley, though the flavor profile will be different.

Enjoy this flavorful, juicy, and easy-to-make Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs! They're a perfect meal for any night of the week.

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