Description

A zesty and flavorful Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe featuring marinated boneless skinless chicken thighs cooked to juicy perfection. The marinade blends fresh cilantro, lime zest and juice, garlic, and spices, imparting a vibrant citrus-herb profile. This versatile recipe can be cooked on the stovetop, baked in the oven, or grilled, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade

1 cup cilantro leaves, packed (about 1/2 bunch)
1 tsp lime zest
1/4 cup lime juice (about 3 limes)
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
3 tbsp olive oil

Chicken

8 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 2 lb)

For Serving

Cilantro leaves
Lime wedges

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: Add cilantro leaves, lime zest, lime juice, chopped garlic, cumin, salt, black pepper, and olive oil to a blender. Pulse until smooth to create a vibrant marinade.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a bowl or ziplock bag, then pour the marinade over them. Ensure each piece is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours for best flavor infusion.
Choose Cooking Method: Decide whether to cook the marinated chicken on the stovetop, bake it in the oven, or grill it, based on your preference.
Stovetop Method: Heat a cast iron grill pan over medium-high heat and brush lightly with olive oil. Grill each chicken thigh for about 5 minutes per side until fully cooked and an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.
Oven Baked Method: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Grilling Method: Preheat your grill and sear the chicken over high heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Then move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill and continue cooking until the internal temperature hits 165°F. Adjust cooking times if using bone-in thighs.
Serve: Garnish the cooked chicken with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges. Serve hot alongside your favorite sides for a bright and flavorful meal.

Notes

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
Adjust seasoning and lime juice to taste before marinating.
If using bone-in thighs, increase cooking time accordingly.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
This recipe works well with boneless, skinless chicken breasts as a substitute.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Mexican