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Easy Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs photo

Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs

Juicy, pan-seared chicken thighs finished in a tangy cilantro-lime sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 6 chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup lime juice freshly squeezed
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 1/4 cups cilantro chopped, divided (use 1 cup in sauce and remaining for garnish)

Equipment

  • Oven-proof Skillet
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Measuring Cups
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Tongs
  • Paper Towels

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs if desired, then pat them dry with paper towels.
  3. In a shallow bowl, combine smoked paprika, cumin, kosher salt, black pepper, allspice, and granulated garlic.
  4. Coat each chicken thigh evenly with the spice mixture.
  5. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook until the skin is deep golden brown and crispy, about 6–8 minutes.
  6. Flip the thighs and cook the other side for 5–8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Wipe excess oil or burnt bits from the skillet with paper towels.
  7. Return the skillet to medium-high heat and add the chicken stock, lime juice, and honey. Stir and simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly.
  8. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 cup of the chopped cilantro.
  9. Place the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet skin-side up, spoon a little sauce over them, and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake until the thighs are cooked through, about 35–40 minutes.
  10. When cooked, sprinkle the remaining cilantro over the chicken and serve, spooning pan sauce over rice or alongside your chosen side.

Notes

  • Patting the chicken dry helps achieve crispier skin.
  • Use freshly squeezed lime juice for best flavor.
  • Check doneness with an instant-read thermometer; 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
  • Adjust honey for sweetness to taste.