Cilantro Lime Chicken

Cilantro Lime Chicken is a zesty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer cookout. The bright citrus from the lime, combined with the fresh cilantro and a hint of spice, creates a tantalizing taste that will leave your taste buds dancing. This recipe is straightforward and quick, making it an excellent choice for busy individuals who still want to enjoy a delicious homemade meal.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 limes, juice and zest
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (omit if you don’t want a spicy dish)
• ¾ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
• Lime wedges, for serving

Directions:

1. Make the Marinade: In a mixing bowl (or a zip-top bag), combine the olive oil, juice, and zest of 2 limes, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, honey, chili powder, pepper flakes, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir or mix until well combined.

2. Remove Marinade: Remove about 3 tablespoons of the marinade, place it in a bowl, cover it, and set it aside for later.

3. Marinate: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss around to coat well. Cover with plastic wrap and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes or in the fridge for up to 2 hours.

4. Cook: Set a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and heat it until hot. Add the chicken thighs to the hot skillet—be careful, they will sizzle—and cook them for 5 minutes, or until nicely browned on the bottom. Flip and continue to cook for 6 to 8 more minutes, or until cooked through. The chicken is done when its internal temperature registers at 165°F.

5. Finish: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Brush the chicken thighs with the reserved marinade, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Calories: 280 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4 servings

Serving Suggestions:

Pair this Cilantro Lime Chicken with a side of rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. The vibrant flavors of this dish also complement grilled vegetables or a light quinoa salad.

Enjoy!

This Cilantro Lime Chicken is sure to become a family favorite. Its ease of preparation and bold flavors make it a standout dish that you’ll want to make again and again. Don’t forget to garnish with extra cilantro and serve with plenty of lime wedges for that extra burst of freshness!

Feel free to share your experience and any tweaks you made to the recipe in the comments below. Happy cooking!