Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs Recipe

Original Post: https://www.evolvingtable.com/?p=93978

Chicken thighs are plated and topped with fresh cilantro and lime juice.

5 from 2 votes

Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs Recipe

With this recipe for Cilantro Lime Chicken, bring the bold flavors of your favorite Mexican restaurant straight to your kitchen! Chicken thighs are marinated with garlic, honey, spices, and fresh lime, fried in a cast iron skillet, and served with fresh cilantro.

Prep Time10

Cook Time15

Marinating30

Total Time55

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Mexican

Servings: servings

Author: Jennifer Deppa

Ingredients

1 ½ lbs. chicken thighs boneless and skinless
2 Tbsp. oil avocado
4 cloves garlic finely minced
½ tsp. cumin
¼ tsp. paprika
3 Tbsp. lime juice from 2 limes
1 tsp. lime zest
¼ cup chopped cilantro plus more for garnish*
1 Tbsp. honey
¾ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. black pepper

Instructions

Pound chicken thighs with a meat mallet until no thicker than 1-inch. Carefully trim any excess fat.
Whisk together the oil, garlic, cumin, paprika, lime juice, lime zest, honey, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Toss in the cilantro and whisk until combined.
Add the chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator or up to overnight. Flip the chicken halfway through marinating if less than an hour, and a few times if overnight.
Heat a large stainless steel or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Let excess marinade drip off chicken before adding it to the skillet. Place the chicken in a single layer, trying not to let them overlap. (The chicken will shrink down significantly while cooking, so it’s OK if they touch a little at the beginning!)
Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 7-8 minutes, flip the thighs over, and continue cooking, uncovered, for another 7-8 minutes. You’ll know the chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
Serve immediately with additional fresh cilantro and enjoy!

Video

Notes

*Be sure to measure the cilantro AFTER chopping.

Meal Prep and Storage

To Prep-Ahead: The chicken can be marinated up to 12 hours ahead, but no longer, at the risk of turning tough.
To Store: If cooked fresh, cilantro lime chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
To Freeze: Leftovers can be stored in a freezer-safe, airtight container or bag for up to 3-4 months.
To Reheat: Leftovers can be reheated in a covered skillet over medium heat, with a small amount of water or chicken stock to prevent drying. You can also use this method to gently bake them in the oven until warmed through.

Nutrition