Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs with a Fresh Spoon-Over Sauce
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
My cilantro lime chicken is seared in a hot pan until the honey and chili powder turn dark and sticky, then finished with a spoonful of fresh sauce saved from the same marinade. Serve it over rice, tuck it into tacos, or slice it over a big salad.
This cilantro lime chicken does two jobs in one bowl. Before the chicken goes in, I set aside a quarter cup of the marinade. The rest coats the thighs, and I spoon the reserved portion over the top the moment they come out of the pan.
I learned in recipe testing that this raw spoonful is what makes the dish. In a hot pan, the honey and chili powder cook down into a dark, sticky crust, but the lime loses its edge, and the cilantro fades. The reserved sauce brings both back, so you get something charred and savory underneath and sharp and green on top.
Boneless thighs are my pick because they can stay over medium-high heat long enough to brown without drying out. If you would rather grill or bake, my Mexican chicken marinade is written for both.
How to use cilantro lime chicken in other meals
This cilantro lime chicken works as the main character of a meal beside some rice and veggies – or you use it as a delicious, fresh protein source in other recipes, like on nachos or in a buddha bowl. Here are some other tasty ideas:
- Cilantro lime chicken burritos: Add some Mexican rice and black beans, top it off with some guacamole and corn salsa, and enjoy!
- Cilantro lime chicken tacos: Add this alongside your favorite taco toppings, then wrap them up in flour tortillas for a fresh twist on taco night.
- Cilantro lime chicken salads: Use this chicken as the protein source in a delicious, leafy salad. Pile up crunchy lettuce, fresh tomatoes, sweet corn, avocado slices, black beans, and shred some cheese! Add tortilla chips for crunch.
- Cilantro lime chicken lettuce wraps: Keep it simple and chop up the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then wrap it in a lettuce leaf with some pineapple salsa and creamy avocado sauce.
What to serve with cilantro lime chicken
Add some cauliflower rice or taco rice, lime wedges, a dollop of sour cream, then add a little burst of freshness with a tomato based salad, like this summer tomato and grilled corn salad. Other side dishes that go well with cilantro lime chicken include sauteed asparagus, avocado cucumber salad, or Mexican corn dip. Don’t forget the fizzy lime margarita!
Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs with a Fresh Spoon-Over Sauce
Ingredients
Cilantro Lime Chicken Marinade
- ½ cup cilantro (finely minced)
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 1 tablespoon EACH: chili powder, avocado oil, and honey
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- Optional: ½ teaspoon chili flakes (if you like it a little spicy)
- 8 boneless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- Lime wedges and cilantro (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, avocado oil, honey, salt, garlic, and if using the chili flakes.½ cup cilantro, ¼ cup lime juice, 1 tablespoon EACH: chili powder, avocado oil, and honey, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 4 cloves garlic, Optional: ½ teaspoon chili flakes
- Set aside ¼ cup of the marinade for serving. Add the chicken thighs to the remaining marinade, mix well, and set aside for 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours in your fridge).8 boneless chicken thighs
- Heat the cooking oil in a large cast iron or nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it into the hot pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is well browned and cooked through.2 tablespoons cooking oil
- Serve the cilantro lime chicken topped with a spoonful of the reserved marinade, lime wedges, and extra fresh cilantro on top.Lime wedges and cilantro
Video
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
Delicious . Easy to make
So happy that you enjoyed it!
Very fresh and delicious! I mixed the remaining marinade with sour cream for a really yummy dip.
Great idea with the dip!!
I make this often. It is deelish. And feels light and fresh.
This was sooooo good! My husband and I were dancing while we ate! I served with couscous and a tomato and cucumber salad. So fast an easy and the chicken was so flavorful!
This looks yumm!! Definitely going to try this really very soon!!
Thank you for mentioning we could use boneless, skinless, chicken breasts. That’s the only kind of chicken we eat. I appreciate it! Looks good ( easy.
You’re welcome! I hope you like the recipe as much as I do!
Yummy recipe.
I’m so happy to hear you like the recipe!