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Flavorful Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken Thighs

cilantro lime grilled chicken thighs - featured image

A zesty and easy marinade recipe for juicy, flavorful grilled chicken thighs with fresh cilantro and lime.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3 pounds)
  • 1 cup packed fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, olive oil, honey, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until vibrant and fragrant.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Add to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally 3-4 hours. Minimum 30 minutes if short on time.
  3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
  4. Grill the chicken: Place chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes without moving to develop crispy skin. Flip and grill another 6-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  5. Rest and serve: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges if desired.

Notes

Let chicken come to room temperature before grilling. Pat dry before marinating for crispier skin. Do not reuse marinade that touched raw chicken. If flare-ups occur, move chicken to cooler part of grill. Rest chicken after grilling for juicy results. Oven roasting at 425°F for 25-30 minutes is a good alternative if no grill is available.

Nutrition

Keywords: cilantro lime chicken, grilled chicken thighs, zesty marinade, easy chicken recipe, summer grilling, healthy chicken