Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs (Print)
Tender grilled chicken thighs with a zesty lime-cilantro marinade
# Ingredient List:
→ Marinade
01 - 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (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
→ Chicken
10 - 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
# How-To Steps:
01 - In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
02 - Add chicken thighs to the marinade, turning to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours for maximum flavor penetration.
03 - Preheat grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F.
04 - Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Discard the used marinade.
05 - Grill chicken thighs for 6-8 minutes per side until nicely charred and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
06 - Transfer to a platter, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
07 - Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and fresh lime wedges if desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The marinade comes together in minutes but makes you look like you planned all day
- Chicken thighs stay impossibly juicy even with all that zesty bright flavor
02 -
- Marinating longer than 4 hours makes the texture weird and mushy from the acid
- Patting the chicken somewhat dry before grilling helps it actually get crispy instead of steam
03 -
- Let the grill get fully hot before adding any chicken, those first few seconds make the sear
- Use tongs instead of a fork so you do not poke holes and lose all those precious juices