Lemon isn’t the only citrus flavor you can pair with chicken. Lime is another winning combination, especially when you add cilantro. This chicken has the best zesty marinade. It can be made ahead of time. Throw it in the oven when you’re ready to make dinner. It’s juicy and very tender. Make this dinner a winner by serving this chicken with a side of cilantro lime rice.
Cilantro Lime Chicken
This chicken has the best zesty marinade. It can be made ahead of time. Throw it in the oven when you're ready to make dinner. It's juicy and very tender. Make this dinner a winner by serving this chicken with a side of cilantro lime rice.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 4 Tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp ground pepper
- 6 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
- Fresh lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions
For the Marinade:
- In a bowl, mix together cilantro, 2 tablespoons olive oil, lime juice, garlic, brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, Kosher salt and ground pepper.
- In a gallon sized freezer bag, add chicken thighs and cilantro marinade. Coat chicken with marinade. Put in refrigerator to marinate for 2 hours or overnight. (Overnight for maximum flavor) Turn bag occasionally.
For the Chicken:
- Preheat oven to 425ºF.
- In an oven-proof skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs. Sear chicken skin-side down first. About 4 minutes on each side, until chicken is golden and crispy brown. (Chicken will be partially cooked.)
- Transfer to oven. Bake at 425ºF for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove from oven. Serve immediately. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
- Serve with Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice (See below notes for recipe).
Notes
For Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice:
Directions:
- 2 cups basmati white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
Directions:
- Pour water and rice into pressure cooker. Close lid and select the “Rice” button.
- Cook for 12 minutes on low pressure. Set valve to “Sealing”.
- After done cooking, do a “Quick-Release” according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- Open lid. Fluff rice and add lime juice and cilantro.
- Serve immediately with Cilantro Lime Chicken.
