Description
Juicy, flavorful boneless chicken thighs marinated in a bright lime and cilantro mixture, grilled to perfection in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 4–5 limes)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, packed (stems and leaves)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Lime wedges for serving
- Extra cilantro leaves for garnish
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt for serving
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, combine lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, jalapeño, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Rinse chicken thighs and pat dry with paper towels. Place in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish.
- Pour marinade over chicken, ensuring every piece is coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes (up to 4 hours).
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F / 200-230°C). Clean grates thoroughly and oil them well.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Place thighs on the grill.
- Close lid and cook for 6-7 minutes on the first side without moving to create grill marks.
- Flip chicken and cook for another 6-7 minutes on the other side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve with lime wedges and extra cilantro on top.
Notes
Do not marinate longer than 4 hours as the acid can make the meat mushy. Resting the chicken for 5 minutes is crucial for juiciness. Oil the grill grates, not the chicken, to prevent sticking. Fresh lime juice is essential for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh per
- Calories: 280
- Sodium: 320
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: grilled chicken, cilantro lime chicken, chicken thighs, summer dinner, healthy chicken recipe, quick dinner, keto friendly, low carb