Description
This Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs recipe offers a vibrant, juicy, and fresh dinner bursting with tangy lime juice, fragrant cilantro, and a touch of garlic. Perfectly cooked chicken thighs remain tender and flavorful, making it an easy, healthy, and quick meal ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and the natural gelling agent. Whisk together until smooth and well blended to create a flavorful marinade that will coat your chicken thighs perfectly.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or ziplock bag and pour the marinade over them, ensuring every piece is well covered. Let them soak up these vibrant flavors for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours if time allows, to maximize tenderness and taste.
- Cook the Chicken Thighs: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil. Once hot, place the marinated chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 6 to 7 minutes until the skin crisps up beautifully. Flip and cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps retain juicy goodness when you slice into it. Serve with your favorite sides or garnishes for a fresh, colorful plate.
Notes
- Let the chicken come to room temperature before cooking for even results.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to keep the skin crisp and golden.
- Pat dry the chicken skin before searing to get it extra crispy.
- Using a cast iron pan can help develop a perfect sear.
- Double the marinade to use extra for drizzling after cooking to amplify the citrus-herb flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan Searing
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: cilantro lime chicken, chicken thighs recipe, quick chicken dinner, healthy chicken, gluten free chicken
