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Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe

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4.1 from 62 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including marinating)
  • Yield: 10 servings

Description

This Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe features juicy, flavor-packed chicken thighs marinated in a zesty blend of lime juice, fresh cilantro, olive oil, honey, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a summer barbecue or an easy weeknight dinner, this dish offers a delightful balance of tangy, herbaceous, and mildly sweet flavors, grilled to perfection with a smoky char.

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 and marinade: Trim any fat from the chicken thighs and place them in a large freezer bag. In a food processor bowl, combine lime juice, lime zest, cilantro, olive oil, honey, cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper. Blend for about 30 seconds until thoroughly mixed. Reserve 1/3 cup of this marinade, then pour the remaining marinade into the bag with the chicken. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to marinate.
  2. Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, around 450°F, leaving one side at low heat or off. This two-zone setup allows for initial searing and then gentler cooking to prevent burning.
  3. Grill the chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the hot side of the grill. Grill for 5-6 minutes per side to create a nice sear, basting each side with the marinade the last time you turn them. If the chicken begins to char excessively after searing, move the pieces to the cooler side of the grill to finish cooking without burning.
  4. Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to redistribute the juices, ensuring juicy meat. Serve with lime wedges and extra cilantro for garnish. Drizzle the reserved marinade over the chicken for added flavor.

Notes

  • Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but overnight marinating intensifies the flavor.
  • Use a two-zone grilling method to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
  • Always let grilled meats rest before serving to retain juiciness.
  • Can be served with rice, salad, or tortillas for a complete meal.
  • If you don’t have a food processor, blend the marinade ingredients thoroughly with a blender or whisk.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mexican

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