Crispy Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs
A flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring juicy chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant blend of lime juice, cilantro, and spices, perfect for weekday dinners or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
For the marinade
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/4 cup lime juice, fresh squeezed (juice of 2 limes)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes or pepper flakes
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
For the chicken
- 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless)
- 1 pinch salt to taste
- 1 pinch pepper to taste
- 1 pinch fresh cilantro leaves to serve
- 2 lime slices or wedges to serve
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
- In a medium-sized shallow bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil with the lime juice, chopped cilantro, chili flakes, garlic, brown sugar, and cumin.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate thighs for 15 minutes.
Cooking
- Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a non-stick pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the thighs with any leftover marinade and sear chicken skin-side down for 4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy (the chicken will not be fully cooked).
- Transfer to the preheated oven and bake until the chicken is cooked through (about 15-20 minutes).
Serving
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and lime slices or wedges.
- Serve over steamed rice or cauliflower rice and drizzle with the pan juices.
Notes
For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate longer, even overnight. Use a thermometer to check if the chicken is cooked through; the internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F (75 degrees C). Try adding more spices or herbs to the marinade for a unique twist.