Cilantro Lime Chicken

User Reviews

5.0

9 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    5 mins

  • Additional Time

    30 mins

  • Total Time

    1 hr

  • Servings

    4 servings

  • Calories

    379 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    American, Mexican

Cilantro Lime Chicken

Inspired by my Chipotle copycat recipe for cilantro lime rice, this easy chicken marinade infuses so much zippy, fresh flavor into chicken thighs. Learn how to make Cilantro Lime Chicken, one of my family's favorite weeknight dinner ideas.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 2 teaspoons lime zest (from 2 limes)
  • 1/4 cup lime juice (from the same 2 limes)
  • 1/4 cup cilantro finely chopped (see note 1)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin ground
  • Pinch red chili flakes (see note 2)
  • 4 chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on (about 1 1/2 pounds, see note 3)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. In a zipper-top plastic bag or shallow dish, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, cumin, and red pepper flakes, if using. Add chicken and toss to coat. Marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes or in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.
  2. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Transfer chicken to a rimmed baking sheet (reserving marinade) and sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper. 
  3. In a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat, heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil until shimmering. Add chicken, skin-side down, and reserved marinade. Cook until skin is golden brown and crispy, about 6 minutes. Flip chicken and cook 2 minutes longer. 
  4. Transfer skillet to oven and bake until chicken reaches 165 degrees on an instant-read thermometer when inserted in the largest piece, 12-15 minutes more. Remove from oven and cool 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • The chicken can be marinated up to 2 hours in advance.
  • Cilantro: For minimum food waste and maximum flavor, be sure to chop up the tender cilantro stems with the leaves.
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: Omit if you don’t like the spice. Add more than a pinch if you do.
  • Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: For the juiciest and most flavorful Cilantro Lime Chicken, use chicken thighs with the bone in and skin on. If you prefer, feel free to substitute boneless chicken thighs or chicken breasts; just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  • Yield: My Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe will leave you with four herb-infused chicken thighs, ideal for a main dish protein serving.
  • Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Make ahead: The chicken can be marinated up to 2 hours in advance.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 379kcal (19%) Carbohydrates 2g (1%) Protein 19g (38%) Fat 33g (51%) Saturated Fat 7g (35%) Polyunsaturated Fat 5g Monounsaturated Fat 18g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 111mg (37%) Sodium 89mg (4%) Potassium 266mg (8%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 167IU (3%) Vitamin C 6mg (7%) Calcium 17mg (2%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 379 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 379kcal 19%
Carbohydrates 2g 1%
Protein 19g 38%
Fat 33g 51%
Saturated Fat 7g 35%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5g 29%
Monounsaturated Fat 18g 90%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 111mg 37%
Sodium 89mg 4%
Potassium 266mg 6%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 167IU 3%
Vitamin C 6mg 7%
Calcium 17mg 2%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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5.0

9 reviews
Excellent

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