Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs (Printable Version)

Juicy grilled chicken thighs with zesty lime marinade, fresh cilantro, and aromatic spices. Ready in just over an hour.

# 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 Make:

01 - In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until thoroughly 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 optimal 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 to 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.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The marinade works double duty tenderizing the meat while infusing it with bright, fresh flavors
  • Chicken thighs stay juicy even if you accidentally leave them on the grill a few minutes too long
  • Everything comes together with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry
02 -
  • Don't marinate longer than 4 hours or the lime will start breaking down the meat too much
  • Pat the chicken slightly dry before grilling if you want really impressive char marks
  • A meat thermometer takes all the guesswork out of knowing when it's done
03 -
  • Double the marinade and freeze half with raw chicken for an instant future meal
  • Chop extra cilantro while you're prepping for serving garnish
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully with a splash of water in the microwave

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