Cilantro Lime Chicken

This Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe is juicy and delicious thanks to a simple marinade that’s packed with citrus and fresh cilantro. It’s easy to make in under an hour!

 

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

When it comes to dinnertime, we’re always looking for new ways to take plain old chicken thighs and turn them into something delicious. This Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe is one of our favourite flavourful ways to prepare chicken thighs, and we know it’s going to be a delicious addition to your family’s meal plan, too!

Cilantro Lime Chicken is a vibrant and flavourful dish that combines bright, zesty lime with fresh cilantro. This recipe usually involves marinating chicken thighs in a cilantro lime marinade, browning them in a skillet (we prefer cast iron), and then finishing them off in the oven. With this method, you end up with the most delicious and juicy chicken thighs – they’ve got a beautifully seared exterior with a juicy, tender interior, and they’re infused with the aromatic flavours of herbs and citrus with just a hint of sweetness. Easy enough to make on a weeknight, it’s a versatile dish that can be served with so many different side dishes, making it perfect for a hearty family dinner.

There’s so much to love about this Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe! Here are just a few reasons it’s one of our go-to recipes:

1. It’s EASY to prepare. A simple marinade and chicken thighs is all you need. The prep time is minimal and this recipe takes no special skills or equipment.
2. It tastes so FRESH. The citrus and cilantro flavours are SO refreshing – it’s the perfect fresh-tasting chicken dish!
3. It’s BUDGET-FRIENDLY. Chicken thighs are readily available at most supermarkets and buying them bone-in helps you save even more money.
4. It’s great for MEAL PREP. We prep a big batch and store it in the fridge to reheat for later. Chicken thighs don’t dry out when reheated, so it’s perfect for a reheated meal on a weeknight or a take-to-work lunch.

Our cast iron skillet is one of our favourite kitchen tools of all time! Here’s why:

Cast iron skillets distribute heat evenly across their surface, which means that chicken cooks uniformly every time. This prevents hot spots and uneven cooking, which are common in lighter-weight, non-stick pans.

Cast iron is known for its ability to retain heat at high temperatures, which makes it ideal for achieving a crispy, well-browned exterior without overcooking the interior of the chicken. The searing process locks in flavours and juices, creating a more juicy piece of chicken.

One of the biggest advantages of a cast iron skillet is its versatility. You can start by browning the chicken on the stove and then transfer the same skillet directly into the oven to finish the cooking, which is perfect for recipes (like this Cilantro Lime Chicken) that require multiple cooking methods.

Cast iron cookware is known for its durability. If you care for them properly, these skillets can last for generations, making them a cost-effective addition to your kitchen.

When it comes to choosing the best cut of chicken to use in all your favourite recipes, there are a few things to take into consideration. Here’s how we recommend weighing your options when it comes to the age-old debate: chicken breast or chicken thighs?

• Calories and Fat: Chicken thighs are higher in calories and fat compared to breasts
• Protein: Both cuts are excellent sources of protein, though breasts are slightly higher in protein content with lower fat, making them a popular nutritional choice.

• Moisture Retention: Chicken thighs often retain more moisture during cooking than chicken breasts, due to their higher fat content. They’re less prone to drying out when cooked than chicken breasts are.

• Flavour: Chicken thighs have a richer, more intense flavour thanks to their higher fat content, which also makes them great for absorbing marinades like the cilantro and lime mixture in this recipe.
• Texture: Thighs are generally softer and juicier, whereas breasts are firmer and drier, which might be preferable on salads or when a leaner texture is what you’re after.

• Generally, chicken thighs are less expensive than breasts, making them a cost-effective option for budget-conscious shoppers. Bone-in and skin-on thighs and breasts are almost always cheaper than boneless skinless ones, and buying them in bulk really helps cut down on the cost.

To make the best Cilantro Lime Chicken, be sure to follow these pro tips:

Allow the chicken to marinate in cilantro and lime juice for at least the minimum amount of time outlined in the recipe. This enhances the flavour and tenderness of the chicken immensely!

Fresh cilantro and lime juice will give a much more vibrant flavour than their dried or bottled versions. Be sure to go for fresh ingredients when you want fresh flavour!

Always preheat your cast iron skillet before adding the chicken. This helps achieve a good sear and prevents sticking.

Brown the chicken in batches if necessary, to ensure that each piece has enough space to brown properly. Add all the pieces to the pan before putting it into the oven.

After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving it. This helps retain the juices inside the meat and lets the flavours develop further.

If you run into issues while making Cilantro Lime Chicken, here are some troubleshooting ideas:

Make sure the skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken, and avoid moving the chicken around too much in the pan.

Increase the amount of cilantro and lime zest in the marinade, and ensure the chicken is marinated long enough.

Avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer to check doneness—chicken is ready when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).

Here’s a list of the basic kitchen equipment you’ll need to make this Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe (paid links):

• large knife
• Cutting Board
• food storage containers
• cast iron skillet
• Tongs
• Instant Read Thermometer

Here’s what you’ll need to have on hand to make this delicious cilantro lime chicken recipe (paid links):

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 bone-in chicken thighs (with the skin)

For the CILANTRO LIME CHICKEN MARINADE:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 3 limes (zest of 3, juice of 1)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro leaves

Take this recipe to the next level with one of these delicious and creative variations on the original!

1. Add other herbs and spices: Incorporate garlic, ginger, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra flavour and spice.
2. Use different citrus: Replace lime with lemon for a different citrus twist.
3. Include vegetables: Toss in bell peppers, onions, or cherry tomatoes into the skillet before baking for added flavour and texture.
4. Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or cream at the end of cooking for a creamy, rich version of this dish.
5. Use a different cut of chicken: While bone-in skin-on chicken thighs are best for this recipe, opt for boneless skinless chicken breasts, boneless skinless chicken thighs, or any other cut of chicken you like.
6. Make it Tex-Mex: Add black beans, corn, red pepper flakes, and even a jar of salsa, before baking. Shred the meat after cooking and serve it in tacos with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
7. Make it a Meal: Serve it with rice or cauliflower rice to make it a meal.
8. Grill it: Rather than baking it in the oven, grill the chicken on an indoor or outdoor grill instead. Be sure to grease the grill grates before grilling.

We hope you love this chicken recipe as much as we do! Let us know in the comments below, what’s your favourite way to prepare chicken? We’d love to know!

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