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Marinating the chicken thighs in the cilantro-lime mixture for Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs.

Easy Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs

  • Author: Caoimhe Byrne
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Marinating Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 1x
  • Category: Main Course, Chicken
  • Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, American

Description

These Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are marinated in a vibrant mixture of cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and spices, then pan-seared to perfection.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lime juice (from 23 limes)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
  • Cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.  
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred.  
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • This recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken thighs. If you prefer bone-in, skin-on thighs, you may need to adjust the cooking time. See the search results for examples using bone-in thighs.
  • The marinating time is crucial for infusing the chicken with flavor. Don’t skip this step!
  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
  • Serve with your favorite sides, such as rice, beans, or a fresh salad.