Juicy Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken Thighs
Cilantro lime grilled chicken thighs are a quick and flavorful dish made with a bright, zesty marinade of fresh lime juice, cilantro, garlic, and spices. The chicken turns out juicy, tender, and slightly smoky from the grill, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or summer BBQs.With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort and pairs well with a variety of sides like rice, vegetables, or tacos.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice about 2-3 limes
- 1 tbsp lime zest
- ½ cup fresh cilantro finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the marinade
- In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, garlic, olive oil, honey, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
Marinate the chicken
- Add the chicken thighs to a bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
Refrigerate
- Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
Preheat the grill
- Heat grill to medium-high (about 400°F / 200°C). Lightly oil the grates.
Grill the chicken
- Place chicken thighs on the grill. Cook for 5–7 minutes per side, flipping once.
Check doneness
- Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Rest and serve
- Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.