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Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs

Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs

The ultimate comfort food for any occasion! Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs are juicy, zesty, and incredibly easy to make. With the perfect blend of spices and fresh flavors, this easy weeknight dinner is sure to impress everyone at the table. Make this tonight!
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 6 pieces chicken thighs bone-in skin on
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • 1-1/2 cups chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup lime juice fresh squeezed
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1-1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Skillet
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Chef's Knife
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Oven
  • Frying Pan

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Prepare your chicken thighs by cutting off any extra pieces of fat and set aside.
  3. In a shallow dish, mix together smoked paprika, cumin, kosher salt, black pepper, allspice, and granulated garlic until evenly blended.
  4. Coat each piece of chicken in the spice mixture.
  5. Set a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Wait until the oil is hot, then carefully add the chicken, skin side down.
  6. Cook until the top is crispy and deep golden brown, about 7 to 10 minutes.
  7. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 to 8 minutes on the other side.
  8. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and wipe the skillet clean with a few paper towels to remove excess oil.
  9. Add the skillet back to medium-high heat and pour in chicken stock, lime juice, and honey. Stir and simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly.
  10. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of cilantro.
  11. Add the chicken back to the skillet, skin side up, and bake in the oven for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken thighs are fully cooked.
  12. Once fully cooked, sprinkle with remaining cilantro before serving.

Notes

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months.
  • Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of rice, salad, or grilled vegetables.
  • Flavor Boost: For added flavor, consider adding a few slices of lime on top of the chicken before baking.
  • Cooking Temperature: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safety.