Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs (Printable version)

Tender grilled chicken thighs marinated in zesty lime and fresh cilantro for a vibrant, flavorful main dish.

# What You'll 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)

# Directions:

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 maximum flavor absorption.
03 - Preheat grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F. Ensure grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
04 - Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Discard the used marinade safely.
05 - Place chicken thighs on the preheated grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until nicely charred and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
06 - Transfer grilled chicken to a serving platter, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and lime wedges if desired.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • The marinade works double time, tenderizing the chicken while infusing it with that restaurant-quality flavor we all chase
  • Chicken thighs stay juicy no matter what, making them practically foolproof for weeknight dinners
02 -
  • Do not marinate longer than 4 hours or the lime will start breaking down the texture too much
  • Patting the chicken mostly dry before grilling helps you get better char rather than steaming
03 -
  • Let your grill preheat for at least 10 minutes so you get those professional-looking sear marks
  • Room temperature chicken grills more evenly, so take it out 20 minutes before cooking

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