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Crispy Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken Thighs Easy Zesty Flavor Recipe

crispy cilantro lime grilled chicken thighs - featured image
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This recipe delivers crispy, juicy grilled chicken thighs with a fresh, zesty cilantro lime marinade. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or summer cookouts, it balances bold flavors with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds or 900 grams)
  • Juice and zest of 2 fresh limes (about 4 tablespoons or 60 ml juice)
  • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro (about 15 grams)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (45 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon kosher salt)
  • Black pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon)
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine lime juice and zest, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, olive oil, honey, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
  3. Toss the chicken thighs in the marinade until well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1-2 hours.
  4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F (204°C). For charcoal grills, wait until coals have glowing embers.
  5. Place chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Grill for 7-10 minutes with the lid closed to crisp the skin.
  6. Flip the chicken and grill for another 8-10 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to redistribute juices.

Notes

Drying the chicken skin thoroughly before marinating is essential for crispiness. Avoid flipping the chicken too often to allow the skin to crisp properly. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before serving to keep it juicy. Reheat leftovers in a hot oven to maintain crisp skin; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken thighs, cilantro lime chicken, crispy chicken skin, summer barbecue, easy chicken recipe, zesty chicken, healthy grilled chicken

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/crispy-cilantro-lime-grilled-chicken-thighs-easy-zesty-flavor-recipe/