Description
These Crispy Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs are a burst of Mexican-inspired flavors in every bite. Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a zesty cilantro lime mixture, seared to crispy perfection, and baked to juicy tenderness. A perfect weeknight dinner that’s both easy and incredibly delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and honey. Mix well.
- Marinate Chicken: Place chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Preheat and Sear: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken skin-side down for 4–6 minutes until crispy. Flip and sear for 2 more minutes.
- Bake: Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 12–18 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
- Rest and Serve: Rest chicken, then garnish with cilantro and lime wedges before serving.
Notes
- Pat chicken dry for crispy skin.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet.
- Boneless thighs cook faster; adjust oven time.
- Serve with rice, veggies, or salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sear and bake
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 125 mg
- Fat: 31 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 142 mg
