Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs are juicy, flavorful, and super easy to make! The zesty lime and fresh cilantro give them a bright taste that’s hard to resist.
They are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner! I love serving them with rice or tacos. It’s like a mini fiesta on your plate! 🌮✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs give juicy flavor, while boneless, skinless are leaner. Both work great! For a quicker cook, you could also use chicken breasts, but they may need some extra marinade to keep moist.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herby flavor. If you’re not a fan, parsley or basil can be good substitutes, but they’ll change the dish’s flavor profile. I personally love cilantro, but I know it’s an herb that people either love or hate!
Limes: Fresh lime juice is key for zing. If you don’t have fresh limes, store-bought lime juice works, but fresh is always best for flavor. Sometimes, lemon could work in a pinch, though it will taste a bit different.
Cumin: This spice adds warmth and earthiness. If you’re out of cumin, try coriander for a different, yet complementary flavor. Ground paprika offers a mild sweetness if you want to experiment!
How Do I Get Juicy, Perfectly Grilled Chicken Thighs?
To ensure your chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, marination is key! The lime juice helps tenderize the chicken while infusing it with flavor. Here are some tips:
- Use a resealable bag for marinating; it’s easier to mix the marinade and coat the chicken.
- Don’t skip marinating for at least 30 minutes—2 hours is ideal, or even overnight for more flavor!
- Preheat the grill well before cooking; a hot grill gives nice sear marks and locks in juices.
- Let the chicken rest after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute for more tenderness.
With these tips, your cilantro lime chicken will be delicious and juicy every time!
How to Make Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on or boneless, skinless)
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 limes (juiced)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish (Optional):
- Lime wedges
- Additional cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time for mixing the marinade and cutting the cilantro. You’ll also need at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken, but feel free to let it marinate for up to 2 hours (or overnight if you want even more flavor!). Cooking on the grill takes about 15 minutes. In total, expect to spend about 55 minutes to 1 hour for everything.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Marinade:
Grab a medium bowl and combine the lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, olive oil, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Use a whisk or a fork to mix everything together until it’s well combined. This will be your delicious marinade!
2. Marinating the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Pop it in the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or you can leave it for up to 2 hours (or even overnight for a more intense flavor). Just remember to take it out when you’re ready to cook!
3. Grilling the Chicken:
About 10 minutes before cooking, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan on the stovetop, heat it over medium-high as well. Once the grill is hot, take the chicken thighs out of the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the leftover marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want the chicken to be golden with nice grill marks and cooked all the way through to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
4. Finishing Touches:
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy! Serve the chicken on a plate, and if you like, garnish it with lime wedges and additional cilantro. Enjoy your flavorful meal!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can absolutely substitute chicken breasts for thighs! Just remember that chicken breasts cook faster, so keep an eye on the grill and check for doneness at around 5-6 minutes per side. The internal temperature should still reach 165°F (75°C).
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes or as long as overnight! For the best flavor, aim for at least 2 hours. Just be careful not to exceed 24 hours as the acid in the lime juice can start to break down the chicken and change its texture.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let the chicken cool before refrigerating it. To reheat, simply warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Can I Use Dried Cilantro Instead of Fresh?
While fresh cilantro gives the best flavor, you can substitute with dried cilantro in a pinch. Use about one tablespoon of dried cilantro for every quarter cup of fresh. Keep in mind that dried herbs are more concentrated, so adjust according to your taste!
