Description
Crispy Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs marinated in a zesty blend of lime, garlic, cilantro, and spices. The chicken is seared in a skillet to achieve a perfectly crispy skin and juicy interior, making it perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, fresh cilantro, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, or longer if time permits for enhanced flavor.
- Preheat the Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and ready for searing.
- Sear the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs skin side down in the hot skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crisp.
- Flip and Cook Through: Turn the chicken thighs over, reduce the heat slightly, cover the skillet, and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices and maximize tenderness.
- Serve with Fresh Garnish: Drizzle any remaining marinade over the chicken thighs and garnish with additional fresh cilantro to amplify the flavors before serving.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer, up to several hours, will deepen the flavors.
- Ensure the skillet is hot enough before searing for a crispy skin.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking helps keep it juicy and tender.
- Serve with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
