Cilantro Lime Chicken

Zesty Cilantro Lime Chicken — The Chicken You’ll Make Again & Again!

Okay, so who doesn’t love a dish that’s packed with flavor but doesn’t take forever to make? 🙋‍♀️ I mean, sometimes you just need something delicious without the fuss, right? Let’s talk about this Cilantro Lime Chicken. It’s like a fiesta in your mouth, and the best part? It’s super easy to whip up!

Main dish photo
The finished dish — looks amazing, right?

Okay, Let’s Talk Ingredients

Alright, so here’s the deal. You’ll need some chicken thighs (the skin-on kind, ‘cause crispy skin = life). I usually grab about 1 ½ lbs. — it’s like the perfect amount for me and whoever’s lucky enough to be around. Then, you gotta have fresh cilantro (so fragrant and bright!), garlic, lime juice (fresh is a must!), olive oil, red chili flakes, and a sprinkle of salt. Easy-peasy, right? Oh! And don’t forget those lime wedges for garnish. They’re not just pretty; they add a little extra zing when you squeeze ’em on top.

So Here’s Why I Make This Constantly

Okay, so picture this: a few weeks ago, I had friends over for a little dinner party (you know, to show off my cooking skills — haha!), and I decided to throw together this cilantro lime chicken. I marinated it while we were sipping on some margaritas (best decision ever!). When I pulled it out of the oven, the whole place smelled like a Mexican restaurant, and my friends were like, “What are you making?! Can we eat now?!”

I mean, can you blame them? The chicken was juicy, the skin was crispy, and the flavors were just… wow. Everyone devoured it! I think I ended up writing the recipe down on a napkin for my friend who insisted she needed it in her life. Ever since that night, it’s basically been on rotation in my kitchen.

Another beautiful angle of the dish
Just as gorgeous from this angle too!

(Another beautiful shot because we can’t get enough!)

The One Trick That Changes Everything

Now, listen up! The *one* trick that makes this chicken a total showstopper? It’s all in the marinating. Seriously, if you can let it sit for 2 hours (or even overnight if you’re feeling fancy), do it! It really lets all those flavors sink in deep. But hey, if you’re in a hurry, 15 minutes will still do the trick. Just know that patience pays off in flavor town!

Don’t Mess This Up (My Top Tips)

Okay, so I’ve made a few rookie mistakes before, and I don’t want you to suffer the same fate.

1. Don’t skip the skin-on chicken! It crisps up so nicely, and you’ll regret it if you go for boneless/skinless.
2. Watch that heat! If you crank it too high when pan-frying, you’ll end up with burnt skin and raw chicken. Nobody wants that.
3. Taste your marinade! (You know, for quality control 😉) Adjust the salt and chili flakes to your liking before adding the chicken. It’s your dish, own it!

How to Keep Them From Disappearing (Or, How to Store Them)

So, if you miraculously have leftovers (let’s be real, it’s hard to resist), just pop them in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. They’ll be good for about 3 days. Just reheat in a skillet or microwave, but don’t let it dry out! A splash of lime juice when you reheat will keep it juicy.

If You Liked This, You’ll Probably Like These Too

Okay, if you dig this chicken vibe, you’ll wanna check out my:

1. Taco Night Beef Tacos — So easy, they practically make themselves!
2. Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp — Seriously, summer on a plate!
3. Spicy Chickpea Tacos — For those plant-based nights!

So, what’s your go-to chicken recipe? Hit me up and let’s swap some stories! 🥳

Cilantro Lime Chicken

Flavor-packed Cilantro Lime Chicken with amazing ingredients and incredible taste! Perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
20 minutes

Category: Dinner
Yield: 3 servings servings

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lbs. (700g) skin-on deboned chicken thighs
  • lime wedges (for garnishing)
  • chopped cilantro (for garnishing)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 4 tablespoons cilantro stems and leaves (finely chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (or more to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
  • Instructions

    1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, whisk all the Marinade ingredients together until well combined. Add the chicken to the marinade, stirring to coat evenly. Allow the chicken to marinate for 15 minutes; for optimal flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours.
    2. Heat a skillet and pan-fry the chicken skin-side down until it is slightly browned. Then, turn it over and pan-fry the other side until it is also slightly browned.
    3. Spoon the remaining marinade over the chicken before baking. Bake the chicken for 20 minutes.
    4. Transfer the chicken to a serving platter, discarding the oily drippings. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken, garnish with cilantro, and serve immediately.

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