Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs (Print Version)
Zesty lime and cilantro-marinated chicken thighs grilled until charred and tender — ready in about an hour.
# What You'll Need:
→ For the Marinade
01 - 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
04 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
06 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
→ For the Chicken
10 - 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
# How to Make It:
01 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper until well blended.
02 - Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours for best flavor infusion.
03 - Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F.
04 - Remove chicken thighs from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Discard any remaining marinade.
05 - Place chicken thighs on the preheated grill and cook for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until they are well charred and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
06 - Transfer grilled chicken to a serving platter, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra chopped cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Marinating the chicken infuses it with bright, bold flavors that soak into every bite.
- The grilling process caramelizes the marinade, making weeknight chicken feel festive and vibrant.
02 -
- Once, I tried rushing the marinating time and ended up with bland chicken, so don’t skip this step even if you’re in a hurry.
- Grilling over too-high heat can burn the marinade’s herbs instead of caramelizing them—a medium-high grill makes all the difference.
03 -
- If pressed for time, score the chicken thighs lightly so the marinade works its way in faster.
- Letting the chicken rest after grilling keeps it juicy—resist the temptation to serve right away.