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Chicken has never been a favorite of mine. I don’t know if I’m scarred from my parents feeding me BOILED chicken growing up, or if it’s just not in my culinary DNA. I’m trying to find new flavorful ways to add more chicken into my repertoire. Cilantro lime chicken is a giant leap in the right direction.
The only way I really like plain chicken is if it’s grilled or barbecued. I love the slightly charred and caramelized taste and texture of grilled chicken. It nullifies that plain chicken taste I just can’t stand.
Boneless, Skinless Versus Bone-In, Skin On Thighs
For this recipe, I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs. The skinless thighs are going to be a little healthier and you don’t have to fight with the bone. Bone-in skin-on thighs tend to be a little juicier thanks to the skin and bone. I think these are best for roasting.
Chicken thighs, in general, are more tender than your typical chicken breast. The dark meat is most comparable to the chicken wing or drumstick.
How to Cook Chicken Thighs in Cast Iron
Cilantro lime chicken is a sweet and savory chicken that tastes as if it’s grilled to perfection. But how do we get around grilling marinated chicken if we forget to marinate overnight or don’t have time? Easy, we sear it in a cast iron skillet with a sauce that will instantly caramelize into a sticky glaze. I typically cook for about 7-8 minutes per side on medium heat.
It helps to unfold the chicken thighs so they lie flat in the skillet. They will cook much quicker and more evenly this way. Typically packaged chicken thighs are slightly rolled into a more circular shape.
Cilantro Lime Marinade
The marinade consists of honey, cilantro, fresh lime juice, garlic, and cumin. The honey will add a sweet sticky glaze as the sauce reduces, similar to your classic barbecued chicken, while the lime, cilantro, and cumin will add a citrusy twist.
Can I Grill this Recipe?
Absolutely, just note the recipe won’t turn out the same. You won’t get the same caramelized thick glaze with grilling as we’re not cooking the sauce. If you do decide to grill this recipe, it’s absolutely essential that the chicken marinates overnight or for 4-6 hours to soak up the flavor.
More Chicken Thigh Recipes You’ll Love
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Boneless cilantro lime chicken thighs seared in a cast iron skillet and then sauteed in a honey-based cilantro and lime marinade.
Ingredients
- 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for searing
Cilantro Lime Sauce
- 1/4 cup lime juice (or juice of 2 limes)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/3 cup cilantro, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1–2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine cilantro lime sauce ingredients in a bowl, whisk until combined. Set aside.
- Season chicken thighs liberally with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in cast iron skillet on medium heat. Once warm, add the chicken and sear for about 6-8 minutes. Flip and sear for an additional 6-8 minutes. See note below.
- Add the cilantro lime sauce, let sauce simmer until thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Flip the chicken in the sauce until well coated. Garnish with additional cilantro if desired and serve.
Notes
It helps to unfold the chicken thighs so they lie flat in the skillet. They will cook much quicker and more evenly this way. Typically packaged chicken thighs are slightly rolled into a more circular shape.
Keywords: cilantro lime chicken thighs, cast iron chicken thighs, chicken recipes
Adapted from: The Recipe Critic
This is one of our favorite dishes!! With a side of steamable white rice & its heaven on earth!!
★★★★★
Oh the white rice will really set it off!
I haven’t tasted the final result yet but I’m definitely excited! The citrus lime marinade is so good I can literally drink it!!!
I just tasted the final result and it didn’t disappoint! I highly recommend this recipe and it’s so easy for a weeknight!!!
I even like to marinate the chicken in the cilantro lime sauce! Great recipe!
★★★★★
This recipe is amazing. It’s for keeps. Very flavorful and easy to make. I added thin slices of jalapeno to add mor kick and its delicious. I was scared of burning the honey but it caramelized perfectly. Thank you for sharing! 5 star!
Used your excellent directions to pan sear my first ever chicken dish.
As someone who is a complete novice your clear simple style is very appreciated!