Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
These cilantro lime chicken thighs are juicy, flavorful, and packed with fresh, zesty flavor from cilantro, lime, and garlic. Made with simple ingredients, this easy chicken dinner is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something fuss-free but delicious. The best part? Perfect with rice, roasted vegetables, or your favorite salad. Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free too.
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A Flavorful, Juicy Chicken Dinner
If you’re looking for an easy chicken dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor, these cilantro lime chicken thighs are just the thing.
Fresh cilantro, zesty lime, and minced garlic create a simple marinade that infuses the chicken with plenty of flavor, while a quick sear creates a beautifully golden exterior.
Made with boneless, skinless chicken thighs, this recipe is easy enough for a weeknight dinner but delicious enough to serve when you’re having friends over.
Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, too, so you can enjoy a flavorful chicken dinner without needing any complicated substitutions.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe:
- Fresh, Zesty Flavor: Cilantro, lime, and garlic give the chicken a bright, savory flavor, turning a regular chicken dinner into something fresh and light.
- Tender & Juicy: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs tend to stay moist (as opposed to other cuts such as chicken breasts).
- Simple Ingredients: The ingredients required for this cilantro lime chicken recipe are easily accessible at the local grocery store (nothing fancy required!).
- Easy to Make: With a short marination time, the chicken thighs cook quickly in the skillet.
- Totally Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: Since this recipe doesn’t use wheat flour or any dairy ingredients, this means that it is 100% gluten-free and dairy-free, which means that even those with Celiac disease or gluten or lactose intolerances can enjoy it without issues!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Here’s a visual overview of the ingredients required for making these cilantro lime chicken thighs recipe.
(For exact measurements, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.)
Recipe Notes + Substitutions:
- Chicken: I like using boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they are juicier. Alternatively, you may also use skinless, boneless chicken breasts if that’s what you prefer.
- Olive Oil: I recommend using extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. Alternatively, you may also use dairy-free butter or other vegetable oil if you prefer.
- Lime: Since lime is a key ingredient in this cilantro lime chicken recipe, make sure to use freshly squeezed lime juice and freshly grated lime zest for the best flavor.
- Cilantro: Cilantro is the other key ingredient, so definitely don’t skip it.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a beautiful taste to this chicken dinner (I would not substitute it with garlic powder). You can add more or less garlic depending on how much you enjoy it.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs:
Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, salt and black pepper.
Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken thighs and toss well until the chicken is evenly coated with seasoning. Let the chicken marinate for a few minutes.
Cook Chicken: Heat a large skillet over high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken thighs and cook until the chicken is nicely browned on one side. Flip the chicken and continue cooking until browned and fully cooked through.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with fresh lime slices. Serve with rice, vegetables or potatoes.
Dish by Dish Testing Notes:
- Make Sure Skillet is Hot: Heating the skillet up well before cooking the chicken ensures a lovely golden sear that will add flavor.
- Drain Excess Liquid: If the chicken thighs release a lot of liquid while cooking, carefully remove the liquid so the chicken can brown properly.
- Resting the Chicken: Allow the cooked chicken thighs to rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving.
- For A Kick of Spice: If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add in 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeño peppers to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Storing/Freezing: To store, place the cooked and cooled cilantro and lime chicken thighs in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. To freeze, place the chicken in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months.
Other Gluten-Free Chicken Recipes:
- Easy Chicken Curry (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
- Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
- One-Pan Coconut Lime Chicken (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
- Creamy Tuscan Chicken (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
Gluten-Free Dinners to Make:
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Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free
Description
These cilantro lime chicken thighs are juicy, flavorful, and packed with fresh, zesty flavor from cilantro, lime, and garlic. Made with simple ingredients, this easy chicken dinner is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something fuss-free but delicious. The best part? Perfect with rice, roasted vegetables, or your favorite salad. Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free too.
Ingredients
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 2 limes
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Fresh lime slices, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, salt and black pepper.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken thighs and toss well until the chicken is evenly coated with seasoning. Let the chicken marinate for a few minutes.
- Cook Chicken: Heat a large skillet over high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken thighs and cook until the chicken is nicely browned on one side. Flip the chicken and continue cooking until browned and fully cooked through. (If the chicken releases a lot of liquid into the skillet, remove some of it to help the chicken brown rather than steam.) Remove from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with fresh lime slices. Serve with rice, vegetables or potatoes.
Notes
Chicken: I like using boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they are juicier. Alternatively, you may also use skinless, boneless chicken breasts if that’s what you prefer.
Olive Oil: I recommend using extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. Alternatively, you may also use dairy-free butter or other vegetable oil if you prefer.
Lime: Since lime is a key ingredient in this cilantro lime chicken recipe, make sure to use freshly squeezed lime juice and freshly grated lime zest for the best flavor.
Cilantro: Cilantro is the other key ingredient, so definitely don’t skip it.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a beautiful taste to this chicken dinner (I would not substitute it with garlic powder). You can add more or less garlic depending on how much you enjoy it.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Marinating Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: chicken, Dinner, Main Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
