Description
Zesty cilantro lime chicken brings Mexican-inspired flavors to your dinner table with juicy, marinated chicken that sings with tangy brightness. Marinated in a blend of fresh cilantro, zingy lime, and aromatic spices, you’ll savor each tender, flavorful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Liquid and Seasoning Base:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 limes, juice and zest
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¾ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking together zesty lime juice and fragrant zest with rich olive oil, aromatic garlic, verdant cilantro, golden honey, warming chili powder, fiery pepper flakes, earthy cumin, and balanced seasoning in a spacious mixing bowl.
- Extract approximately three tablespoons of the marinade and transfer to a separate container, preserving it for the final flavor enhancement.
- Immerse chicken thighs completely in the remaining marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Allow the poultry to absorb the flavors by resting at ambient temperature for half an hour or refrigerating up to two hours.
- Heat a robust cast iron skillet over medium-high flame until it radiates intense warmth. Carefully position marinated chicken thighs into the sizzling pan, creating a beautiful golden crust during the first five minutes of cooking.
- Rotate the chicken pieces, continuing to cook for an additional six to eight minutes, monitoring the internal temperature until it reaches a safe 165°F, indicating perfectly cooked meat.
- Transfer the succulent chicken from the skillet and let it rest momentarily. Brush the thighs with the reserved marinade, sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro, and accompany with bright lime wedges for a burst of citrusy freshness.
Notes
- Marinade magic transforms ordinary chicken into a zesty, flavor-packed meal bursting with citrusy cilantro notes.
- Reserved sauce adds an extra punch of tangy brightness when brushed over perfectly seared chicken thighs.
- Marinating allows deep flavor penetration, ensuring every bite delivers a mouthwatering blend of lime, herbs, and subtle heat.
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg