Description
These Charred Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs are juicy, flavorful, and perfectly charred, featuring a zesty marinade of lime, garlic, and fresh cilantro. Ideal for grilling or oven baking, this quick recipe delivers a vibrant, delicious meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Thighs
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs (skin-on)
Marinade
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, paprika, olive oil, salt, and pepper to thoroughly mix all the flavors together for the marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs into a resealable bag or a covered dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight to allow maximum flavor absorption.
- Preheat Cooking Surface: If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F (204°C). Alternatively, you can preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) if roasting the chicken instead.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken thighs from the fridge and place them directly on the grill grates or a baking sheet if using the oven. Grill or roast the chicken for about 7-8 minutes per side, turning once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin has a nice charred appearance.
- Rest and Serve: After cooking, let the chicken thighs rest for 5 minutes to retain their juices. Serve warm with fresh lime wedges and an extra sprinkle of chopped cilantro for garnish and added freshness.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor and tenderness but a minimum of 30 minutes will still impart good taste.
- Using bone-in, skin-on thighs helps keep the meat juicy and adds a crisp texture to the skin when charred.
- If grilling is not an option, baking at a high temperature will also produce a nicely browned and flavorful result.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- For an extra smoky flavor, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika or a splash of chipotle powder to the marinade.
