Name: Juicy Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe for Quick Flavorful Dinners Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Olive oil; 1/4 cup Fresh lime juice; 1/4 cup Chopped fresh cilantro; 2 cloves Minced fresh garlic; 1 teaspoon Red pepper flakes; 1 teaspoon Ground cumin; 1 teaspoon Paprika; 2 teaspoons Salt; 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper; 2 pounds Boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Description

This Juicy Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe delivers a burst of fresh, tangy flavor combined with aromatic spices, making it a perfect quick and flavorful dinner option. Marinated in a zesty blend of lime juice, cilantro, garlic, and spices, the chicken thighs are pan-cooked to tender, golden perfection in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade Ingredients

1/2 cup Olive oil
1/4 cup Fresh lime juice
1/4 cup Chopped fresh cilantro
2 cloves Minced fresh garlic
1 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon Ground cumin
1 teaspoon Paprika
2 teaspoons Salt
1/4 teaspoon Black pepper

Main Ingredient

2 pounds Boneless, skinless chicken thighs

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Instructions

Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is well combined and emulsified.
Marinate Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a large bowl and pour the marinade over them. Using tongs, toss the chicken to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the vibrant flavors.
Heat Cooking Surface: Preheat your skillet or grill over medium-high heat until hot, ensuring it’s ready to sear the chicken and lock in juices.
Cook Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the hot skillet or grill. Cook them undisturbed for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken develops a golden brown crust and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Finish and Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken thighs to a serving dish. Garnish with additional lime juice and chopped cilantro to enhance freshness before serving immediately.

Notes

Marinate the chicken for longer (up to 2 hours) for even more intense flavor.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (74°C).
Serve with a side of rice, salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
If preferred, you can substitute chicken breasts, but cooking times may vary.