EASY CILANTRO LIME CHICKEN

The sun is shining, Cinco de Mayo is next week, and I’m over here craving bright fresh flavors, like cilantro and lime. Okay fine, so I’m actually craving margaritas, but my body doesn’t let me drink lots of margaritas anymore so I’m going to get those flavors via chicken instead. This Easy Cilantro Lime Chicken is a faster and easier version of an old recipe of mine, Cilantro Lime Chicken Drumsticks, which are baked in the oven. The skillet is so much faster and easier, and the boneless thighs I used are always tender and juicy. There are definitely a few options with this recipe, so make sure you read on to find out more!

CAN I USE CHICKEN BREAST?

Yes, you can make this with boneless, skinless chicken breast. Chicken breasts are a little more finicky, though, so you’ll need to do an extra step. Since chicken breasts dry out faster, make sure to pound your chicken breasts out to an even thickness, no more than 3/4″ thick before cooking. This will ensure that the chicken can cook all the way through quickly, without drying out.

CAN I USE BONE-IN CHICKEN?

I don’t suggest bone-in chicken for this quick skillet method, since bone-in chicken takes longer to cook through. Instead, see my Cilantro Lime Chicken Drumsticks recipe (you can use drumsticks or thighs), which is baked in the oven.

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CAN I COOK THE CILANTRO LIME CHICKEN ON A GRILL?

Yes. Marinate the chicken as usual, then cook on the grill, until well browned and cooked through on each side. The open flame will give this chicken even more depth of flavor.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH CILANTRO LIME CHICKEN

My favorite side dish for Cilantro Lime Chicken is Cowboy Caviar, but it also goes great with Quick Seasoned Black Beans and Taco Rice, or Warm Corn and Avocado Salad. You could also chop up the chicken and use it to fill tacos, or slice it and use it to top your favorite salad!

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INGREDIENTS

• 2 Tbsp olive oil ($0.32)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced ($0.32)
• 1/2 tsp cumin ($0.05)
• 1/2 tsp salt ($0.02)
• freshly cracked pepper ($0.05)
• 2 limes, divided ($0.40)
• 1/2 bunch cilantro, divided ($0.40)
• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (1.5 to 1.75 lbs. total) ($5.11)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine the olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and some freshly cracked pepper (about 10 cranks of a pepper mill) in a small bowl.
2. Zest one of the limes and then squeeze the juice. You'll need 2-3 Tbsp juice, so if needed, juice half of the second lime. Cut the remaining lime into wedges to garnish the chicken once cooked. Roughly chop the cilantro.
3. Add 1 tsp of the lime zest, 2-3 Tbsp of the lime juice, and half of the chopped cilantro to the marinade. Stir to combine. (The remaining cilantro will be added fresh after cooking the chicken.)
4. Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or a large zip top bag. Add the marinade and toss the chicken to coat. Allow the chicken to marinate for 30 minutes or up to 8 hours (refrigerated), turning it once or twice as it marinates.
5. When ready to cook the chicken, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until well browned and cooked through. My chicken had enough of an oil coating from the marinade that I did not need to add any extra to the skillet.
6. Top the cooked chicken with more fresh cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve with any extra lime wedges.