Description
This vibrant Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe features juicy, tender chicken thighs marinated in a zesty blend of lime juice, fresh cilantro, and aromatic spices. Quick to prepare and cook on the stovetop, it’s perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Marinade
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Main Ingredient
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, chopped cilantro, lime juice, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create the marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken and use kitchen tongs to toss until each piece is well coated. Let the chicken marinate for 15 minutes uncovered at room temperature or up to 2 hours covered in the refrigerator for more intense flavor.
- Heat the Skillet: Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a teaspoon of oil to the pan to prevent sticking and help with browning.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken thighs to the hot skillet. Cook each side for 5–6 minutes, ensuring the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving dish. Finish by squeezing extra fresh lime juice over the top and sprinkling additional chopped cilantro for extra brightness. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful cilantro lime chicken!
Notes
- Prep time includes 15 minutes of marinade time.
- You can marinate the chicken up to 2 hours in advance to enhance flavor.
- Ensure the internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F for safety.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- Serve with rice, salad, or tortillas for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approx. 6 oz chicken)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1.2 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
