Mexican-Spiced Chicken Thighs

User Reviews

4.9

114 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    45 mins

  • Total Time

    50 mins

  • Servings

    4 servings

  • Calories

    587 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    Mexican

Mexican-Spiced Chicken Thighs

Mexican-Spiced Chicken Thighs are seasoned with a zesty blend of lime juice, cumin, chili powder, cayenne, garlic, cloves, and salt, topped with butter and baked until the skin crisps and the meat is cooked through. The meld of smoky and spicy seasoning complements the richness of bone-in, skin-on thighs, resulting in tender, juicy chicken with a savory crust. These thighs can be served with warm tortillas or over steamed rice for a balanced meal.

Description

This recipe uses eight bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs coated with a vibrant Mexican-inspired spice rub combining lime juice, ground cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, ground cloves, and salt. The lime juice brightens the flavor and tenderizes the meat before baking. Each thigh is topped with a piece of butter to encourage browning and add richness during roasting at 425°F.

After about 45 minutes in the oven, the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 172°F, indicating doneness. The baking method allows the skin to develop a flavorful, crisp exterior while keeping the interior moist. The blend of warm spices produces a balanced heat and aroma typical of Mexican seasoning.

The recipe suggests serving these thighs with warm tortillas or steamed rice, making them versatile for casual meals or taco-style dishes. The butter and spice combination makes the chicken a savory, slightly spicy entrée with a tender bite and nicely caramelized skin.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 8 chicken thighs bone-in, skin on
  • 1/4 cup lime juice about 2 limes
  • 2 teaspoons cumin ground
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon cloves ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons butter

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Lay out 8 chicken thighs in the prepared pan, skin-side up. Squeeze 1/4 cup lime juice over the meat.
  3. In a small bowl, stir together 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves. Sprinkle generously over the chicken.
  4. Divide 4 tablespoons butter into 8 pieces. Place 1 piece on top of each chicken thigh.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 172 degrees Fahrenheit.

Notes

  • Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for better flavor and juiciness compared to boneless cuts.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 172°F to confirm proper cooking and safety.
  • Serve with warm tortillas to assemble tacos or accompanied by steamed rice for a wholesome plate.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 2thighs Calories 587kcal (29%) Carbohydrates 5g (2%) Protein 37g (74%) Fat 46g (71%) Saturated Fat 15g (75%) Cholesterol 244mg (81%) Sodium 550mg (23%) Potassium 525mg (11%) Fiber 1g (4%) Vitamin A 720IU (14%) Vitamin C 9.7mg (11%) Calcium 41mg (4%) Iron 2.5mg (14%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 587 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 2thighs
Calories 587kcal 29%
Carbohydrates 5g 2%
Protein 37g 74%
Fat 46g 71%
Saturated Fat 15g 75%
Cholesterol 244mg 81%
Sodium 550mg 23%
Potassium 525mg 11%
Fiber 1g 4%
Vitamin A 720IU 14%
Vitamin C 9.7mg 11%
Calcium 41mg 4%
Iron 2.5mg 14%

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

Genuine Reviews

User Reviews

Overall Rating

4.9

114 reviews
Excellent

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