Description
This Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs recipe features juicy, boneless, and skinless chicken thighs marinated in a zesty cilantro lime dressing with a hint of honey and warm spices. Perfectly pan-cooked to juicy perfection, this dish delivers vibrant flavors with a fresh garnish of cilantro and a tender texture. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.
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 chicken thighs with a meat mallet until no thicker than 1 inch. Carefully trim any excess fat to ensure even cooking.
- Make marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together avocado oil, finely minced garlic, cumin, paprika, lime juice, lime zest, honey, salt, and black pepper. Add chopped cilantro and whisk until thoroughly combined.
- Marinate chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure each piece is coated well. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for deeper flavor absorption. Flip the chicken halfway through marinating if less than an hour, and a few times if marinating overnight.
- Add chicken to skillet: Heat a large stainless steel or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Let excess marinade drip off the chicken before placing it in the skillet. Arrange the chicken in a single layer without overcrowding, allowing a little contact since the chicken will shrink as it cooks.
- Cook chicken: Cover the skillet with a lid and cook the chicken for 7-8 minutes. Flip each thigh and cook uncovered for another 7-8 minutes. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the surface is nicely seared.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh cilantro for a bright, herby finish. Enjoy this flavorful, juicy cilantro lime chicken with your choice of sides.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight to maximize flavor, but 30 minutes is sufficient in a pinch.
- Use a meat mallet to even out the chicken thickness for consistent cooking.
- Avocado oil is preferred for its high smoke point, but you may substitute with other neutral oils like canola or vegetable oil.
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to retain juiciness.
- Serve with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
