Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs (Printable)
Marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection with zesty lime and fresh cilantro flavors.
# What You Need:
→ For the Marinade
01 - 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
04 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
06 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
→ For the Chicken
10 - 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
# How-To:
01 - In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
02 - Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, turning to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours for best flavor development.
03 - Preheat grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F.
04 - Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Discard the used marinade.
05 - Grill chicken thighs for 6-8 minutes per side, until nicely charred and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
06 - Transfer to a platter, cover loosely, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
07 - Garnish with extra chopped cilantro and lime wedges if desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The marinade comes together in minutes but makes you look like you planned all day
- Chicken thighs stay impossibly juicy even after a good char on the grill
02 -
- Pat the chicken dry before adding it to the marinade or the mixture will slide right off
- Letting the meat rest after grilling is not optional it is the difference between juicy and dry
03 -
- Bring the chicken to room temperature for 20 minutes before grilling for more even cooking
- Clean your grill grates while they are hot and the chicken will release easily every time