Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs: Juicy & Meal Prep Ready (Print Version)
Juicy Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs are easy to make and perfect for meal prep. Enjoy tender, flavorful chicken with a zesty marinade any night of the week.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mexican
Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
# Ingredients:
→ The Juicy Foundation
01 -
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
→ Vibrant Cilantro-Lime Infusion
02 -
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, packed and chopped
03 -
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from 2-3 limes)
04 -
1 tbsp lime zest (from 2 limes)
05 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
07 -
1 tsp ground cumin
08 -
1 tsp chili powder
09 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
10 -
1/2 tsp dried oregano
11 -
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
→ Essential Seasoning
12 -
Kosher salt, to taste
13 -
Black pepper, to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1 tbsp lime zest, 4 cloves minced garlic, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper. Whisk well to create the vibrant marinade for your Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs | Juicy & Meal Prep Ready.
02 -
Add 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the marinade. Ensure all pieces are thoroughly coated. Season generously with Kosher salt and black pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, for the best Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs | Juicy & Meal Prep Ready flavor.
03 -
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron works great) over medium-high heat. A hot pan is crucial for achieving a beautiful sear on your Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs | Juicy & Meal Prep Ready.
04 -
Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Place chicken thighs presentation-side down in the hot skillet. Sear for 4-5 minutes until deeply golden brown and slightly crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
05 -
Flip the chicken thighs and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at its thickest part. This ensures your Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs | Juicy & Meal Prep Ready are perfectly cooked and juicy.
06 -
Remove the skillet from the oven. Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving whole. This resting period locks in the juices, ensuring tender and flavorful chicken.
# Notes:
01 -
These Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs are fantastic for meal prep! Once cooked and cooled, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
02 -
Adjust the 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper to your preference. For more heat, add an extra pinch; for less, omit it entirely. A dash of red pepper flakes can also be added to the marinade for an extra kick.
03 -
Serve these juicy chicken thighs with fluffy rice, quinoa, a fresh avocado salad, or roasted vegetables. They're also excellent sliced into tacos or quesadillas for a flavorful weeknight meal.
04 -
While 30 minutes is sufficient, marinating for 2-4 hours allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the chicken, resulting in an even more tender and flavorful dish. Avoid marinating for more than 4 hours due to the acidity of the lime juice.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Cutting board
02 -
Chef's knife
03 -
Large mixing bowl
04 -
Measuring cups and spoons
05 -
Zester
06 -
Large skillet or baking sheet
07 -
Tongs
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 357 kcal
Total Fat: 21 g
Total Carbohydrate: 4 g
Protein: 43 g