Description
Cilantro Lime Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful recipe featuring juicy, bone-in chicken thighs marinated in a zesty blend of lime, garlic, cumin, and fresh cilantro. This dish is seared to perfection on the stovetop and finished by baking in the oven for tender, golden-brown chicken that is perfect for a delicious family meal or casual dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 6 chicken thighs (bone-in and skin-on)
Marinade
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 2 limes (zested and juiced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup cilantro leaves (chopped)
Instructions
- Make the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, lime juice and zest, ground cumin, chili powder, minced garlic, honey, salt, pepper, and chopped cilantro until well combined. Alternatively, pulse the mixture in a food processor for a smoother marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a bowl or shallow dish, then pour the marinade over them. Ensure all pieces are coated evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Once marinated, remove chicken from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5 to 6 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken and sear the other side for 2 to 3 minutes. Note that the chicken is not fully cooked at this stage.
- Transfer to Oven: Move the skillet with the seared chicken into the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 160°F (70°C), ensuring the meat is cooked through and juicy.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with extra lime slices and fresh cilantro leaves before serving to enhance the fresh, zesty flavor.
Notes
- Allowing the chicken to rest at room temperature after marinating helps it cook more evenly.
- Searing the chicken skin-side down first helps achieve a deliciously crispy skin.
- Using an ovenproof skillet makes it easy to transfer from stovetop to oven without losing heat or separating the pan.
- Adjust the chili powder amount to control the spice level.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness and avoid overcooking.
