Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs
These crispy cilantro lime chicken thighs are juicy, zesty, and packed with fresh flavor. Quick to prepare and perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, they feature a tangy marinade and irresistibly crispy skin.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (stems and leaves)
- Zest and juice from 2 large limes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, omit for low-carb)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for smokiness)
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels for extra crispy skin.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cilantro, lime zest and juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and (optional) honey and smoked paprika. Mix well.
- Add chicken thighs and toss to coat, rubbing marinade under the skin. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes (up to 12 hours for deeper flavor).
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place oven-safe skillet inside to preheat.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Reserve leftover marinade for basting.
- Carefully place chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot, lightly oiled skillet. Sear undisturbed for 5-7 minutes until skin is golden and releases easily.
- Flip thighs and cook 2-3 minutes more.
- Transfer skillet to preheated oven. Roast until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear (internal temp 175°F/80°C), about 15-18 minutes.
- Optional: Brush with reserved marinade halfway through for extra flavor and color.
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with more fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Notes
For extra crispy skin, thoroughly dry the chicken before marinating and preheat your skillet. Marinate as long as possible for deeper flavor. If using boneless, skinless thighs, reduce oven time to 15-16 minutes. Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for extra crunch, but watch closely. Leftovers are great for tacos, salads, or wraps.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh (about 5 oz cooked)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0.5
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 3.5
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 21
Keywords: cilantro lime chicken, chicken thighs, crispy chicken, healthy dinner, gluten-free, low-carb, Mexican chicken, weeknight dinner, easy chicken recipe