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Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe

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3.9 from 7 reviews

This Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a zesty blend of lime juice, cilantro, olive oil, honey, and spices. Perfect for a quick, flavorful meal, the chicken is grilled to perfection, delivering a fresh and vibrant taste with every bite.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 3 pounds skinless chicken thighs

Marinade

  • 4 limes, zested and juiced
  • 1 cup roughly chopped cilantro leaves and stems
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Garnish

  • extra cilantro, for garnish
  • lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and place them in a large freezer bag ready for marination.
  2. Make the marinade: In the bowl of a food processor, combine the lime juice and zest, cilantro leaves and stems, extra virgin olive oil, honey, cumin, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Blend for about 30 seconds until well combined.
  3. Marinate the chicken: Reserve 1/3 cup of the marinade for later use, then pour the remaining marinade into the bag with the chicken. Seal the bag and refrigerate between 30 minutes and overnight to allow flavors to develop deeply.
  4. Preheat the grill: Heat a grill to medium-high heat, approximately 450°F, and leave one side of the grill off or on low heat for indirect cooking.
  5. Grill the chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the hot side of the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side. During the last turn, baste each side with the reserved marinade to enhance flavor. If the chicken starts to char too much, move pieces to the cooler side of the grill to finish cooking evenly.
  6. Rest the chicken: After grilling, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure tenderness.
  7. Serve: Serve the grilled chicken adorned with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Drizzle the reserved marinade over the top for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken overnight for more intense flavor and juice retention.
  • If a grill is unavailable, this recipe can be adapted for stovetop grilling using a grill pan or broiler, though cooking times may vary.
  • Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for best results; you can substitute with chicken breasts if preferred, adjusting cook time accordingly.
  • Reserved marinade should not be reused for additional raw chicken to prevent cross-contamination but is safe for basting and serving after the chicken has cooked.

Find it online: https://simpleplatter.com/grilled-cilantro-lime-chicken-recipe/