Description
This Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs recipe features juicy, boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a zesty blend of lime juice, garlic, honey, and fresh cilantro. The chicken is pan-seared to perfection in a cast iron or stainless steel skillet, resulting in a flavorful and tender main dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 3 tablespoons lime juice (from 2 limes)
- 1 teaspoon grated lime zest
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prep chicken: Pound the chicken thighs with a meat mallet until they are no thicker than 1 inch. Carefully trim any excess fat from the chicken pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Make marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, finely minced garlic, cumin, paprika, lime juice, lime zest, honey, salt, and black pepper. Add the chopped cilantro and whisk until all ingredients are well combined.
- Marinate chicken: Add the pounded chicken thighs to the marinade bowl and toss to coat them evenly. Refrigerate and marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. If marinating less than an hour, flip the chicken halfway through; if overnight, flip a few times to ensure even flavor absorption.
- Add chicken to skillet: Heat a large stainless steel or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Remove excess marinade by letting it drip off the chicken before placing the thighs in the skillet. Arrange the chicken in a single layer, allowing for some touch but no large overlapping, keeping in mind the chicken will shrink as it cooks.
- Cook chicken: Cover the skillet with a lid and cook the chicken for 7-8 minutes undisturbed. Then flip the thighs over and cook uncovered for another 7-8 minutes. Check doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and serve immediately garnished with additional fresh cilantro. Enjoy your flavorful cilantro lime chicken thighs!
Notes
- Pounding the chicken to an even thickness helps it cook uniformly and stay tender.
- Marinating the chicken longer enhances the flavor and juiciness.
- Use a cast iron or stainless steel skillet for best searing and heat retention.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet to allow proper browning.
- Check internal temperature for safety and optimal juiciness.
