EASY, juicy, tender chicken thighs with plenty of tangy lime and fresh cilantro!! Ready in 30 minutes, starts on the stove, and finishes in the oven! Just a handful of ingredients used and PERFECT for busy weeknights!!
Prep Time5 minutesmins
Cook Time25 minutesmins
Total Time30 minutesmins
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: baked cilantro lime chicken, cilantro lime chicken sides, cilantro lime chicken thighs, what to serve with cilantro lime chicken
Servings: 5
Calories: 381kcal
Author: Averie Sunshine
Ingredients
3tablespoonsolive oil
1.5 to 2poundsboneless chicken thighswith or without skin is fine
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepperto taste
3 to 5clovesgarlicfinely minced or pressed
¼ to ⅓cuplime juice
1teaspooncuminor to taste
½teaspoonsmoked paprikaregular paprika is okay, or to taste
fresh cilantrofor garishing
lime wedgesoptional for garnishing
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425F (use Convection if you have it).
To a large oven-proof skillet, add the oil, add the chicken with the skin down (or the side down where the skin would have been if you’re using skinless), and evenly season with salt and pepper. Cook over medium-high heat until the chicken is golden browned on each side, about 4 minutes per side.
Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute; stirring nearly constantly.
Add the lime juice (it will bubble up vigorously when it comes into contact with the oil so use caution), evenly season with the cumin and smoked paprika.
Place skillet in oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and done (165F). Exact cooking time will vary on the size of the pieces and exactly how browned/done they were going into the oven.
Garnish with cilantro, optional lime wedges, and serve immediately.
Notes
Chicken will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 4 months.