Name: Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 garlic cloves (minced); 2 limes (zested and juiced); ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped); 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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Bright, zesty, and deeply satisfying, Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs are an absolute weeknight favorite that never stops impressing! The punchy flavors of fresh lime juice and vibrant cilantro seep into juicy, golden chicken thighs, delivering a dish that manages to feel both homey and restaurant-worthy all at once. If you’ve been seeking a meal that comes together quickly but shines with complex, mouthwatering flavors, this is your new go-to. With just the right balance of tang, spice, and herbaceous freshness, these chicken thighs are bound to become a family staple you’ll crave all year long.

Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s celebrate simplicity by spotlighting each ingredient—the kind that transforms everyday chicken into something truly craveable. Every item in this list serves a purpose, whether it’s to add a pop of color, a hint of smokiness, or that irresistible juicy tenderness. Here are the essentials you’ll need to create your own unforgettable Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs!

Chicken thighs (6 bone-in, skin-on): The star of the show—skin-on thighs stay moist and develop beautifully crispy skin for amazing texture.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps carry the flavors of the marinade deep into the chicken.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic brings a savory aroma and depth of flavor that’s simply unbeatable.
Limes (2, zested and juiced): Both zest and juice infuse a lively citrus punch that brightens the whole dish.
Fresh cilantro (¼ cup, chopped): Delivers a fresh, grassy note and gorgeous color—don’t skip it!
Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and earthiness that anchors all the vibrant flavors.
Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): For an irresistible hint of smokiness and appealing color.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for drawing out all the flavors and seasoning the chicken just right.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle background kick.
Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): For those who love a little heat—totally up to you!

How to Make Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Whisk Up the Flavor-Packed Marinade

In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, zesty lime juice, fresh lime zest, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little spice. Give it a good whisk, making sure everything melds together into a gloriously fragrant marinade—it should smell bright and savory with a hint of toastiness from the cumin and paprika!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken Thighs

Place your bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs into a large resealable bag or a roomy baking dish. Pour the gorgeous marinade all over, then seal or cover and massage gently until every thigh is coated edge to edge. Let those flavors soak in for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours if time allows!), refrigerated—you’ll thank yourself for the extra marinating time.

Step 3: Sear for That Perfect Golden Crust

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, grab a large oven-safe skillet and warm it over medium-high heat. Lay the chicken thighs skin-side down into the hot pan and let them sizzle undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes. By resisting the urge to peek, you’ll get irresistibly crisp, caramelized skin that’s full of flavor!

Step 4: Finish Roasting in the Oven

Flip the chicken thighs so they’re skin-side up and slide the whole skillet into your preheated oven. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the juices run clear and a thermometer inserted at the thickest part reads 165°F. The aromas will fill your kitchen with anticipation!

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

Once the chicken is cooked through and golden, pull the skillet from the oven and let the thighs rest for about 5 minutes—this keeps them juicy. Before serving, scatter an extra flourish of fresh cilantro and a few lime wedges over the top for a truly showstopping finish.

How to Serve Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of chopped cilantro and fresh lime wedges is not just for looks—the cilantro adds fresh, herbal aroma, while a squeeze of lime juice right before eating makes the whole dish sing with brightness. For even more color, sliced red chili or thinly sliced radishes make lovely, punchy toppers.

Side Dishes

Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs shine next to simple sides that soak up all those delicious juices. Fluffy rice (white or brown), toasted quinoa, or herby couscous all work wonders. For a fresh counterpoint, try a zippy corn salad or oven-roasted vegetables. A crisp green salad with avocado and cherry tomatoes is a wonderful choice for something lighter.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, shred the chicken and stuff it into warm tortillas with your favorite toppings for tantalizing tacos. Pile it onto a big platter with rice, beans, and grilled veggies for a festive build-your-own burrito bowl night. Or, slice and arrange over a big green salad and drizzle with any leftover pan juices for a lunch that’s as pretty as it is tasty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs have cooled, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days. For the best results, store any extra pan juices separately, so you can moisten the chicken during reheating.

Freezing

These chicken thighs freeze very well! Place fully cooled portions (with or without the bone) in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator whenever a craving strikes.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken (and any reserved pan juices) in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through—about 15 minutes. For a quick option, microwave gently with a splash of water or chicken broth, but watch closely to avoid drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely! While bone-in, skin-on chicken gives extra juiciness and flavor, boneless, skinless thighs work perfectly and cook a bit faster. Just reduce the roasting time by about 5–7 minutes and keep an eye on doneness.

What if I don’t have fresh cilantro?

If fresh cilantro isn’t available, you can substitute with flat-leaf parsley for a milder herb flavor—or use a small pinch of ground coriander for a hint of that signature taste. However, fresh cilantro really makes Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs shine, so use it if you can!

Can I make Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs on the grill?

Yes, grilling brings a fantastic smoky dimension! Preheat your grill to medium, oil the grates, and cook the chicken thighs for about 6–7 minutes per side, until the skin is crisp and the juices run clear. It’s a perfect summer dinner option.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not inherently—there’s just a hint of warmth from the smoked paprika and optional red pepper flakes. If you’re sensitive to spice, simply skip the flakes, or add more if you love a little heat!

Can I meal prep with Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs?

Definitely! These chicken thighs are terrific for meal prep since they reheat so well and taste just as delicious the next day. Pack them with your favorite grains and veggies for easy grab-and-go lunches.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve tried Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs, you’ll understand just how simple ingredients, a flavorful marinade, and a quick roasting method can add up to pure weeknight magic. I hope these become a new favorite at your table and bring brightness to your meal rotation. Happy cooking!

Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes (plus marinating time)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs are bursting with zesty flavors and are perfect for a quick and delicious meal. Marinated in a flavorful mixture of cilantro, lime, and spices, then baked to juicy perfection, these chicken thighs are sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Thighs:

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Marinade:

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves (minced)
2 limes (zested and juiced)
¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lime juice, lime zest, cilantro, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Marinate Chicken: Place chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or dish and pour marinade over them, coating evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator.
Cook: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Sear chicken thighs skin-side down in a skillet over medium-high heat for 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer skillet to the oven and roast for 20 to 25 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally.
Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving, garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges.