Description
Crispy Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs are juicy inside with a crackly, golden crust and a bold, tangy finish. This quick weeknight dish uses bright lime, garlic, and cilantro to create a zesty crust, then sears to perfection for irresistible texture. Marinade is fast, cook time is short, and it pairs beautifully with rice, potatoes, or roasted veggies. Ideal for meal prep, it delivers fresh citrus aroma and maximum flavor with minimal effort. Skillet searing locks in juices and herbs for a flavorful centerpiece.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs, bone-in or boneless, skin-on preferred
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Optional: extra lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken to the marinade and coat well. Let sit for 10–20 minutes if you have time.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook 6–8 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Flip and cook another 6–8 minutes until fully cooked and juicy.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
- Serve with lime wedges, rice, potatoes, or veggies.
Notes
- For crisper skin, pat thighs dry and cook skin-side down first in a hot skillet.
- Marinating 10–20 minutes boosts flavor; longer marinades are fine but not required.
- Use bone-in thighs for juicier meat; boneless work too with slightly reduced cook time.
- Fresh cilantro yields the best aroma; substitute parsley if needed.
- Best served with rice, potatoes, or roasted vegetables and extra lime wedges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1 thigh, approx 6 oz)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Crispy Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs, cilantro lime chicken thighs, lime chicken, pan-seared chicken, weeknight dinner, zesty chicken, garlic lime chicken, cilantro chicken, Mexican-inspired chicken