Description
A bright and flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken thighs marinated in fresh lime, garlic, and cilantro, perfect for quick dinners while being high in protein and gluten-free.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb Boneless skinless chicken thighs (Can also use bone-in thighs.)
- 1/4 cup Fresh lime juice (Squeeze fresh if possible.)
- 1 tsp Lime zest (Optional, adds extra lime flavor.)
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped (Can substitute with parsley if sensitive.)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced (Adds savory flavor.)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil or avocado oil (Oil helps to carry flavor.)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Ground cumin (Small amount provides a great flavor.)
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes (Optional for spiciness.)
- 1 chopped Jalapeno (Optional for added heat.)
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- Mix lime juice, oil, garlic, cilantro, cumin, salt, and pepper together in a bowl.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to 6 hours.
Cooking
- Cook chicken thighs using your preferred method: skillet, oven, grill, or air fryer.
- For skillet, heat oil over medium heat, add chicken in a single layer, and cook for 5-7 minutes each side.
- For oven, preheat to 400°F, bake for 18-25 minutes for boneless thighs or 30-40 minutes for bone-in.
- For grilling, oil grates and grill over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side.
- For air frying, preheat and air fry at 380°F for 12-16 minutes.
Final Touches
- Rest the chicken for a few minutes before slicing.
- Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
Notes
Do not over marinate to avoid mushiness. Use similar sized thighs for even cooking. Serve with lime wedges and fresh cilantro for presentation.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: dinner, Main Course
- Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Mexican