Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs
Juicy and tender chicken thighs marinated in a bright cilantro-lime-garlic mixture, perfect for grilling or baking.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Marinade
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 900 g)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (packed)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin preferred) (about 60 mL)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 whole limes, juiced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss until each piece is fully coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; ideally 2 to 4 hours for best flavor.
- If grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high. If baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment for easy cleanup.
Cooking
- Grill the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes per side over medium-high heat, or bake at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving.
Notes
Pat chicken dry briefly before marinating if the thighs are very wet. Trim excess fat to avoid flare-ups on the grill. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe temperature.