Fresh, zesty, and so flavorful, this Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken is so quick and easy to make, you’ll be making it all summer! The chicken thighs are grilled perfectly until tender and juicy, and the best part is that this recipe is easy enough for busy weeknight dinners or as a part of a weekend cookout.
6large boneless chicken thighstrimmed from all fats
For the Marinade:
¼cuplime juice
¾-1tsp.saltto taste
½tspchili flakesmore or less to taste
1tbsp.honey
¼cupcilantro leavespacked, finely chopped (plus extra for garnishing)
4clovegarlicminced
3tbsps.olive oil
½tsp.smoked paprika
¼tsp.coriander
¾tsp.cumin powder
1tsp.black pepperfresh ground
Lemon wedges for garnishing
Instructions
In a bowl, mix all the marinade ingredients together.
Then add in the chicken and coat well with the marinade. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Preheat grill.
Spray the grill with oil spray and grill the chicken until fully cooked on the inside for 5-8 minutes or internal temperature reaches 165 F.
Notes
Fresh lime is ideal for this recipe. I would not recommend using bottled lime juice for this as you have that fresh and bright citrus flavor.
To make this spicier, you can add more chili flakes or even some cayenne pepper.
Always use a preheated grill so the chicken doesn’t stick.
You can grill the chicken in the oven, indoor grill or outdoor grill. For the best flavor, I recommend grilling outdoors for the char flavor.
For more flavor, you can reserve ¼ of the marinade before adding the chicken to marinate. When the chicken is done grilling, you can drizzle the reserved marinade over the top of the thighs before serving. Make sure you’re using the reserved marinade. Do not use the marinade the raw chicken thighs had been marinating in.