Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs

Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs are juicy, flavorful, and easy to make. The zesty, citrus marinade uses only 5 ingredients (plus salt and pepper) and takes only minutes to mix up. The results are moist chicken thighs with perfect grill marks.

Grilled Chicken Thighs are so versatile and will be a family favorite for the summer! Leftovers keep well so consider making a double batch to have for meal prep throughout the week.

Ingredients You'll Need:

It only takes a few simple ingredients to the flavorful marinade for grilled chicken thighs. Here's what you need:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs - you could also use chicken breasts but I love how moist chicken thighs are.
• Fresh Cilantro
• Fresh Limes - to use both the zest and juice
• Minced Garlic - fresh is always best, but you can use the pre-minced kind from a jar too.
• Olive Oil
• Ground Cumin
• Salt and Pepper

How to Make Chicken Thighs on the Grill

Even if you're not a grilling expert, you can totally make grilled chicken! See the instructions below:

1. Marinate Chicken Thighs - In a medium/large bowl, mix together the olive oil, spices, lime zest and juice, and garlic. Then mix in the chopped cilantro. Add the whole chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to combine. Allow to marinate for at least 20 minutes (perfect amount of time to preheat the grill) or up to one hour.
2. Preheat Grill - Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (450-500 degrees F) for direct grilling (ie. the chicken will go directly over the flame).
3. Grill - Grease your grill grates, if desired, with vegetable oil on a paper towel using grilling tongs. Then add the marinated chicken thighs to the grill. Close the grill and grill each side for 4-5 minutes (8-10 minutes total) until fully cooked (internal temperature reads 165 degrees F). Chicken thighs are ready to flip when they easily release from the grill. The excess marinade should be discarded.
4. Serve - Removed cooked chicken from the grill and allow to rest for just a few minutes before serving. I love to give a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro.

How long does it take to grill chicken thighs?

It takes about 8-10 minutes to grill boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Or about 4-5 minutes per side.

How do you grill chicken thighs without burning them?

The key to grilling chicken thighs without burning them is not having your grill too hot. It's best to cook them on medium Heat (or about 450-500F). This is hot enough to get the pretty grill marks, but not too hot that it burns the chicken before cooking it all the way through.

How do you keep chicken from sticking to the grill?

I like to grease my grill grates right before adding the chicken. I add some canola oil or vegetable oil to a paper towel and use the grilling tongs to carefully grease the grates. But the biggest key to not having food stick when grilling is to not flip the chicken too soon. Once the chicken is cooked on the outside with nice grill marks it will easily release from the grill.

How do you know if grilled chicken is cooked?

The best way to tell if grilled chicken is cooked is to check the internal temperature with a thermometer. Dark meat chicken should be cooked to 165 degrees F. If you don't have a thermometer, you can also cut the chicken to make sure there is no pink and the juices run clear but checking the temperature is the safest option.

Leftovers and Storage

Grilled chicken is a great option for meal prep! See tips below for how to store:

Leftovers and Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep fresh for up to 5 days.

Serving Ideas:

The serving ideas for grilled chicken thighs are endless! Here are a few of my favorites:

• Rice and Beans - The cilantro-lime flavors are made for a burrito bowl of sorts! Serve with rice, beans, and any other of your favorite Mexican toppings.
• On top of a Salad - Grilled chicken is great on or alongside a big salad! I love this cilantro chicken with a romaine lettuce based salad. This Southwest Salad with an Avocado Dressing is a great option!
• Grilled Veggies and Potatoes - If the grill is already fired up, you might as well grill some veggies and/or potatoes for a perfect pairing.

More Recipes Using Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are such a versatile protein! I love how moist they stay and they are super forgiving and hard to overcook. See some other recipe ideas below:

• Salsa Verde Chicken Meal Prep - Store-bought, jarred salsa verde makes the prep for this recipe so simple. And don’t forget about the cilantro lime rice that is the perfect pairing.
• Instant Pot Coconut Curry Chicken - An easy curry chicken recipe that just takes chicken thighs, lots of spices, a little honey for sweetness, and coconut milk to make it nice and creamy. It’s also freezer friendly (before or after cooking).
• Easy Sesame Chicken - Make one of your takeout favorites right at home and in under 30 minutes! No frying in this recipe so it’s healthier than the traditional version and it’s all made in one pan. 

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