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Juicy Tender Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken Thighs

cilantro lime grilled chicken thighs - featured image
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A bright and flavorful grilled chicken thigh recipe featuring a zesty cilantro lime marinade that keeps the meat juicy and tender, perfect for easy summer BBQs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro, loosely packed, chopped
  • Juice of 2 large limes
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest (green part only)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey (or agave nectar for vegan option)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine chopped cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, olive oil, honey, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well blended.
  2. Place chicken thighs in a zip-top bag or shallow glass dish. Pour marinade over chicken and coat thoroughly. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 6 hours.
  3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). If using charcoal, wait until coals are glowing red with a light layer of ash.
  4. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Place skin-side down on grill grates. Close lid and cook for 6-7 minutes until nicely charred but not burned.
  5. Flip chicken and cook an additional 6-7 minutes skin-side up. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Transfer chicken to a clean plate and loosely cover with foil. Rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
  7. Serve warm, garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges if desired.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 1 hour for best flavor and tenderness. Avoid piercing meat to keep juices locked in. Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking. Rest chicken after grilling to keep it juicy. If flare-ups occur, move chicken to cooler part of grill briefly. For oven baking, cook at 425°F for 25-30 minutes and finish under broiler for crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: cilantro lime chicken, grilled chicken thighs, summer BBQ, easy chicken recipe, juicy chicken, cilantro lime marinade

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/juicy-tender-cilantro-lime-grilled-chicken-thighs-recipe-for-easy-summer-bbq/