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
