Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe

Finding a chicken recipe that’s both simple to make and packed with vibrant flavors can be challenging. Many recipes lack the bright, zesty taste that can truly elevate a meal.

If you’ve ever felt frustrated with bland chicken dishes or struggled to infuse them with exciting flavors, you’re not alone. The search for a recipe that combines ease of preparation with bold, Mexican-inspired tastes can often feel overwhelming.

Enter Cilantro Lime Chicken, a recipe that delivers a burst of flavor with minimal effort. Featuring fresh cilantro, zesty lime, and a hint of spice, this dish is designed to transform your chicken into a flavorful delight that’s perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
• 2 limes, zested and juiced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon honey

Marinade

1. Prepare the Cilantro: Chop approximately 1/4 cup of cilantro leaves. If you prefer, you can use a bit more cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.
2. Mix the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped cilantro, zest and juice of two limes, minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and honey. Whisk until well blended.
3. Marinate the Chicken: Pour the marinade over the chicken thighs and use your hands to ensure each piece is well-coated. Refrigerate and marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat an oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Add a few tablespoons of olive oil or avocado oil. Once the pan is hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip the chicken and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes.
3. Bake the Chicken: Transfer the pan to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 160°F (71°C). The skin should remain golden from the initial searing.
4. Garnish (Optional): After removing the chicken from the oven, garnish with lime slices and additional cilantro if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Cilantro Lime Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with:

• Mexican rice
• Cilantro lime rice
• Steamed or roasted vegetables
• Mashed potatoes

For additional recipes, try adding the chicken to Southwest chicken salad, chicken and black bean wraps, or taco soup. It also complements well with beverages such as classic margaritas, strawberry margaritas, mango margaritas, or agua fresca for a non-alcoholic option.

Enjoy the juicy and flavorful chicken straight from the plate, or incorporate it into your favorite dishes for a burst of cilantro lime goodness.