Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs (Printable)
Juicy grilled chicken thighs with zesty lime, fresh cilantro, and warm spices. Perfect for tacos, rice bowls, or served with grilled vegetables.
# What You'll Need:
→ Marinade
01 - 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
04 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
06 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
→ Chicken
10 - 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
# Method:
01 - In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined.
02 - Add chicken thighs to the marinade, turning to coat completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours for optimal flavor penetration.
03 - Preheat grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F.
04 - Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Discard the used marinade.
05 - Grill chicken thighs for 6-8 minutes per side until nicely charred and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
06 - Transfer to a serving platter, cover loosely, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The marinade comes together in under five minutes but makes you look like you planned all week
- Chicken thighs stay juicy and tender even with high heat grilling, so no dry chicken disasters
02 -
- Patting the chicken dry before adding marinade helps it adhere better and creates more even grill marks
- Letting chicken rest after grilling makes the difference between juicy and dry, so do not skip this step
03 -
- Investing in a good meat thermometer takes all the guesswork out of chicken and guarantees perfectly cooked meat every time
- Grilling extra chicken thighs intentionally for leftovers is the smartest meal prep move you will make all week