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Plate of cilantro lime chicken thighs with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on top with a green tea towel, a gold fork and knife, and bowl of cooked rice on the side.

Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs

Author: Stephanie Kay

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.

  • Author: Stephanie Kay
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Grilled
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Once the chicken has marinated, heat a grill pan, cast-iron skillet, or grill to medium-high heat.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

Find it online: https://kaynutrition.com/grilled-cilantro-lime-chicken/