This cilantro lime chicken thighs recipe turns humble ingredients into a delicious chicken marinade in a matter of minutes. It also creates tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken thighs you can serve with rice, potatoes, or in tacos for a crowd-pleasing meal.
Chicken thighs are one of my favorite things to cook on the grill – they are inexpensive, tasty, and incredibly quick to cook. They have just enough dark meat to stay tender, but not enough to put anyone off, especially when they are covered in a flavorful marinade, and I think this cilantro lime marinade is a great way to do it.
Not only is this grilled cilantro lime chicken recipe easy and delicious, but it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it over fluffy rice, in tacos or burritos, or on a salad for a nutritious and delicious meal.
Why You’ll Love It
- Easy to Make – Made with minimal ingredients, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare.
- Full of Flavor – The combination of fresh cilantro and lime juice ensures every bite of chicken is full of flavor.
- High in Protein – This recipe is loaded with 23 grams of protein per serving.
Ingredients + Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs – The recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but you can use chicken breast if preferred. See the notes section of the recipe card for details.
- Cilantro – To make the cilantro lime chicken marinade.
- Limes – To make the marinade. I used whole limes, but you can use bottled lime juice if preferred. See the notes section of the recipe card for details.
- Olive Oil – To make the marinade and add some healthy fats. You can use regular or extra virgin olive oil, or use avocado oil if preferred.
- Garlic -To add flavor. The recipe calls for garlic cloves, but you can use garlic powder if preferred. See the notes section of the recipe card for details.
- Cumin – To add more flavor.
- Honey – To balance the acidity in the marinade, although optional.
- Salt – To season.
Dietary Adaptions
To Make it Gluten-Free: No adaptations are needed; this recipe is gluten-free.
To Make it Dairy-Free: No adaptations are needed; this recipe is dairy-free.
Red’s Nutrition Tip
chicken thighs vs chicken breasts
Serving Suggestions
These cilantro lime chicken thighs are a great source of lean protein. To ensure you’re eating them as part of a balanced meal, serve them with a source of complex carbohydrates and fiber. For example:
- Rice + Green Beans
- Sweet Potatoes + Broccoli
- Tortillas + Cabbage
- Black Beans + Avocado
Storage + Reheating
To Refrigerate: Transfer the cooked chicken thighs to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To Freeze: Once cooled, transfer the cilantro lime chicken thighs to an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To Reheat: Once thawed, the chicken thighs can be reheated in the microwave for 2 minutes.
More Chicken Thighs Recipes:
PrintGrilled Cilantro Lime Chicken
These cilantro lime chicken thighs are easy to make, full of flavor, and high in protein. Serve them with rice and veggies or use them in tacos for a healthy dinner idea.
-
Prep Time: 40 minutes -
Cook Time: 15 minutes
-
Total Time: 55 minutes
-
Yield: 4 servings 1x
-
Category: Dinner
-
Method: Grilled
Prep Time:
Yield:
Category:
Method:Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs, skinless, boneless
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped, leaves and stems
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
- Lime wedges, to serve
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, add the olive oil, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, honey (optional), ground cumin, salt, and black pepper, and blitz until well combined.
- In a large bowl, add the raw chicken thighs and pour the cilantro-lime marinade over them. Using tongs or your hands, toss the chicken in the marinade until well coated. Allow to marinate on the counter for 30 minutes, or in the fridge (covered) for up to 2 hours.
- Once the chicken has marinated, heat a grill pan, cast-iron skillet, or grill to medium-high heat.
- Transfer the marinated chicken thighs to the pan, skillet, or grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until cooked through or they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once cooked, remove chicken thighs from the grill and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving; this helps to preserve the juices. To serve, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and lime wedges.
- Any leftovers can be cooled and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Notes
To Use Chicken Breasts: Swap the chicken thighs for 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts in step #2 and increase the cooking time to 6-7 minutes per side in step #4.
To Use Bottled Lime Juice: Swap the limes for 1/4 cup of bottled lime juice in step #1.
To Use Garlic Powder: Swap the garlic cloves for 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder in step #1.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 282 calories
- Sugar: 5 grams
- Fat: 19 grams
- Carbohydrates: 7 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Protein: 23 grams
Looks delicious! Can’t wait to try it.
This recipe is perfect for our cilantro-lovin’ household! Sadly, I don’t have have a grill, but the chicken came out great from the oven!
Have made this recipe several times. It is delicious ?!
Very tasty! Definitely a keeper!
Made this last night. Perfect BBQ meal. Really enjoyed the flavour
I’m so happy you liked it, thanks for sharing!
Made this with the Mediterranean Orzo salad. It was delicious and the whole family enjoyed. It made for a nice simple spring/summer supper. Thank you 😊
Love the pairing with the orzo salad! So happy you like it, thank you for sharing! ♥️
It was debut I added more honey to taste.
So happy you liked it, thanks for sharing!
I used this in your recipe for the Baja Bowl with Chicken. Delicious!