Description
This easy Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs recipe features juicy, tender chicken thighs marinated in a bright blend of fresh lime juice, cilantro, garlic, and fragrant spices. Perfect for a quick and vibrant weeknight dinner, it combines bold, fresh flavors with a crispy skin finish. The dish is versatile, simple to prepare, and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, olive oil, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), ground cumin, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create a vibrant marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
- Cook the Chicken Thighs: Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 6 to 8 minutes per side until the skin is crispy and the meat is fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat remains juicy and tender before serving.
Notes
- Pat chicken dry before marinating for crispier skin.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
- Allow the chicken to rest after cooking to lock in juiciness.
- Taste and adjust seasoning of the marinade before use.
- Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: cilantro lime chicken, chicken thighs, quick dinner, fresh chicken marinade, gluten free chicken recipe