• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Cafe Delites

for good food lovers

  • Recipe Index
  • About Me
    • BOOKS
  • Contact Me
    • Policies
      • Disclaimer
      • Copyright
    • MEDIA
You are here: Home / Recipes / Crispy Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe

By Karina 54 Comments Filed Under: Chicken

Crispy Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Our Crispy Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe is full of incredible flavour! Juicy on the inside bone-in chicken thighs with a golden, crispy skin!

Mexican-inspired Crispy Cilantro Lime Chicken that marinates in no time thanks to a rich-in-flavour sauce. Garlic, cilantro and lime takes simple oven baked chicken thighs and turns them into a mouth-watering recipe thanks to all of those flavours mixing through the incredible pan drippings!

SUCCULENT CHICKEN THIGHS RECIPE!

No need to go anywhere or get take out when you can have juicy and crispy chicken on your table in no time with everyone feasting on some incredible chicken! The sauce is so good you’ll be licking your plates clean!

HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN

With simple ingredients you may already have on hand that create some explosive flavours in this chicken.:

  • Fresh lime — use fresh lime juice for the best flavour. Don’t go for the bottled stuff.
  • Cilantro — substitute with fresh parsley if you don’t like cilantro.
  • Garlic — you could use green onions/scallions (about 1/4 cup chopped) instead of garlic if you prefer
  • Red chili flakes — if you don’t like a bit of heat, leave it out all together. Or for more heat, add more!
  • Brown sugar — you can also use honey if you prefer. I love brown sugar in this. It balances out the acidity of the lime juice.
  • Cumin


CHICKEN THIGHS OR BREASTS?

I used bone-in, skin on thighs in this recipe, but you can use skinless and boneless chicken breasts if you prefer. The cooking time will change slightly, depending on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts. Chicken always needs to be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

SIDES:

  • Black Beans & Rice
  • Cowboy Caviar
  • Smashed Potatoes

Even though there are many Cilantro Lime recipes out there, I KNOW you guys will love and appreciate this one. Because CRISPY SKIN wins food lovers over EVERY SINGLE TIME.

WATCH HOW WE MAKE Crispy Cilantro Lime Chicken


Crispy Cilantro Lime Chicken is juicy on the inside, golden and crisp on the outside, cooked in mouth watering flavourful pan drippings! | https://cafedelites.com

Crispy Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs

Crispy Cilantro Lime Chicken is juicy on the inside, golden and crisp on the outside, cooked in mouth watering flavourful pan drippings!
PRINT SAVE go to your favorites
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 30 mins
Total: 45 mins
Serves: 6 people

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lime juice (Juice of 2 limes)
  • 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon red chili (or pepper) flakes
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 6 bone-in skin-on (or off) chicken thighs
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro leaves to serve
  • Lime slices or wedges to serve

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • In a medium-sized shallow bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil together with the lime juice, chopped cilantro, chili flakes, garlic, sugar and cumin. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to evenly coat. Cover and refrigerate thighs for 15 minutes.
  • Heat the remaining one tablespoon of oil in a non stick pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add in the thighs along with any marinade left over in the bowl, and sear chicken -- skin-side down -- for 4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy (chicken will not be fully cooked).
  • Transfer to preheated oven and bake until the chicken is cooked through (about 15-20 minutes).
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and lime slices or wedges.
  • Serve over steamed rice or cauliflower rice, and drizzle with the pan juices.

Nutrition

Calories: 390kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 141mg | Sodium: 113mg | Potassium: 316mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 160IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1.2mg

Crispy Cilantro Lime Chicken is juicy on the inside, golden and crisp on the outside, cooked in mouth watering flavourful pan drippings! | https://cafedelites.com
« Black Beans & Rice Recipe
MEAL PLAN WEEK 51 »

Subscribe to Cafe Delites FOR FREE and Receive Recipes Straight Into Your Inbox!

Image of a white plate with Chili Garlic Butter Shrimp in a buttery sauce
Artisan Bread in a dutch oven pot | cafedelites.com
Sautéed Green Beans | cafedelites.com
The best, juicy roast Beef Tenderloin slathered with garlic butter that melts in your mouth with every bite! Even better when served with a rich and rustic, easy to make red wine sauce (or jus) | cafedelites.com
Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken | cafedelites.com

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Wanda says

    July 30, 2022 at 1:49 am

    5 stars
    I have made this dish about 5 times and never fails everyone loves it, I made it for my wedding of 150 guest and no one complaint, my 14 yr old son when he visits his dad always calls me to get the recipe so that he can make it, I have it on our weekly menu of meals to make. I make it with Spanish rice.

    Reply
  2. Emma says

    October 28, 2020 at 7:17 pm

    5 stars
    Delicious, especially when combined with the black beans and rice. At dinner tonight the comments just kept on coming. This one will defiantly be done again. The rice is so full of flavour and the lime chicken is melt in your mouth.

    Reply
  3. Tom says

    August 27, 2020 at 8:15 am

    5 stars
    I love this recipe, I served it over deep fried corn tortilla chips delish

    Reply
  4. Joey says

    June 17, 2020 at 1:49 am

    5 stars
    This has become one of my favorite chicken recipes!!! And believe me that is saying something. Fresh and clean and I love the lime and cilantro
    Also….perfect to grill out simply because it doesn’t take long so there’s more time to visit with friends rather than get stuck at the grill (and its perfect with a margarita)

    Reply
  5. Magayon says

    May 23, 2020 at 11:32 am

    5 stars
    I did exactly what your instructions were. It turned out pretty good! Delicious and it was a hit! Wish I can add a picture.

    Thank you for sharing this recipe.

    Reply
  6. SweetTea says

    February 04, 2020 at 10:49 am

    5 stars
    Very good! Tried with chicken thighs, chicken breast, and super firm tofu cubes. Very easy to make and so good that I printed this recipe for my international pen pal. Good dinner recipes that are easy to make are a global need.

    Reply
  7. Ali says

    December 31, 2019 at 12:59 pm

    5 stars
    Thank you for sharing! I made this chicken along with some brown rice and it was perfection!! I’m saving this one.

    Reply
  8. Wanda says

    November 07, 2019 at 2:13 pm

    5 stars
    Made this Cilantro Lime chicken tonight with chicken breasts that I cut into 3rds (2 large skinless boneless). It was so delicious I’m saving it on your website and am anxious to try another recipe! Thank you for sharing your time with us!! From Colorado!!

    Reply
  9. Cindy Feaster says

    September 28, 2019 at 6:03 am

    Hi, thank you so much for sharing your recipes!!! you are amazing, and your recipes are excellent!! my daughter, and I made your Dijon Chicken last week for my birthday, and Happy Birthday to me!! I was completely surprised that the recipe called for no changes on my end, it was seasoned so well, you recipes are perfection just by looking at the pictures alone, thank you for helping make my birthday so special, I felt like I was eating at a restaurant at home, God bless!

    Reply
  10. Tina Mosqueda says

    July 08, 2019 at 2:15 pm

    5 stars
    I HAD to leave a review because it was just that good!!! I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out perfectly, crisp and full of flavor. It almost tasted grilled, new favorite!

    Reply
  11. elisabeth says

    April 25, 2019 at 7:28 am

    5 stars
    Amazing flavor!

    Reply
  12. Theresa Larose says

    April 22, 2019 at 2:39 am

    5 stars
    I made your black beans and rice as a side for your crispy cilantro lime chicken. The recipes were easy to follow. Everyone loved it.

    Reply
  13. Kate Berkey says

    April 16, 2019 at 8:34 pm

    I was looking for a chicken recipe for the whole family and I stumbled on this article. I read and followed the instructions carefully and I made it deliciously! Every member of my family is so happy! Thanks for this!

    Reply
    • Karina says

      April 19, 2019 at 1:01 pm

      Thank you, Kate!

      Reply
  14. Natalie says

    April 14, 2019 at 2:19 am

    Is it ok to marinate it longer than 15 minutes? Maybe 2-3 hours?
    Thank you for the recipe!

    Reply
  15. Belle says

    April 02, 2019 at 8:50 am

    5 stars
    Everything I have tried here has been a 5 star. My sister is clueless in the kitchen and so I am double cooking and sending her some of these on dry ice.

    Reply
  16. Elizabeth says

    April 01, 2019 at 12:27 pm

    5 stars
    Really easy and tasted great

    Reply
  17. Lisa says

    April 01, 2019 at 4:06 am

    I would like to try my air fryer with this recipe. Has anyone else attempted it? It does make food crispy.

    Reply
    • Tina says

      January 19, 2020 at 9:42 am

      Did you try it? Did you like it?

      Reply
    • Jessica says

      July 18, 2022 at 5:24 am

      I always use my air fryer but it also has a bake option and it comes out juicier than it does in the oven

      Reply
  18. Deb. Beaumont says

    March 23, 2019 at 8:10 pm

    5 stars
    Yum. this was absolutely delicious. thankyou.

    Reply
  19. ALISA says

    March 11, 2019 at 2:42 pm

    5 stars
    Very easy to follow and super delicious!!!

    Reply
  20. Emily says

    February 02, 2019 at 12:08 pm

    5 stars
    I used honey instead of brown sugar to make this keto/paleo. I also baked the chicken on a metal cooling rack set on a cookie sheet so it was nice and crispy! Served over cauliflower rice with sweet potato fries. So delicious!!

    Reply
  21. Ebony says

    January 31, 2019 at 2:39 am

    5 stars
    This was very delicious and is now my go to recipe for cilantro lime chicken. I served with Mexican fiesta corn on the side.

    Reply
  22. Laurie S says

    January 26, 2019 at 12:47 pm

    5 stars
    Made this today. Fried double the time in the recipe to get crispy crust and baked skin up for 25 minutes then turned off and left in oven while preparing rice and Bush’s Fiesta Black Beans. There was nothing left of the marinade to put over the rice, but was excellent with the Bush’s Fiesta black beans. Love this recipe.

    Reply
  23. Kay says

    January 21, 2019 at 7:28 am

    5 stars
    Love this! I’m a self-admitted lazy cook and this was super easy to make without compromising on flavour. I didn’t have cumin so I substituted with garam masala and it worked out well.

    Reply
  24. Rebecca says

    January 10, 2019 at 3:34 am

    5 stars
    Love this recipe! I have made it many times. However, even though I follow the recipe I can never seem to get the skin crispy. How do you get the skin to be crispy instead of just flabby?

    Reply
    • Elexus Rose-Chong says

      February 06, 2019 at 5:28 am

      You could try frying the chicken a tad bit longer

      Reply
    • Tina says

      January 19, 2020 at 9:48 am

      Make sure your pan is hot, skin side down first, and don’t add any extra marinade to the pan at the initial cooking. I can only fit two thighs in my pan at one time, they should not touch each other. The high heat will render the fat from the skin but if you have too much chicken in the pan at one time the fat can’t render properly so you are steaming the chicken instead of frying the chicken. After all your chicken is in the oven you can cook any remaining marinade. Crispy skin be yours!

      Reply
  25. Melissa Bettes says

    December 11, 2018 at 9:59 am

    5 stars
    Well, I screwed up and got chopped basil instead of cilantro. Put it in the recipe …. not bad. When I make it again, will make sure to use cilantro & maybe add more lime juice. Despite, my mess up, still a great meal. The chicken was so moist!! Thanks!

    Reply
    • Karina says

      December 14, 2018 at 7:08 pm

      Hi Melissa!

      Well its great to hear that your substitution turned out well! Thanks for the feedback. I am so glad that you liked the recipe. Thanks so much for following along with me! xo

      Reply
  26. Angela says

    October 10, 2018 at 9:21 am

    5 stars
    This turned out great, I used bottled lime juice and 4 tbls is sweet chili sauce and taco seasoning along with salt and pepper to taste. It is def a keeper. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  27. Jean says

    August 17, 2018 at 4:00 am

    I made this tonight. I pretty much followed the recipe except after I seared the chicken for 5 mins, I lifted the chicken out of the pan and added baby potatoes and browned for 5 mins. I then added the chicken back to the pan and popped it all in the oven. Amazing!! Tasted so good and such an easy one pan dinner.

    Reply
  28. Debbi says

    November 14, 2017 at 1:56 pm

    This was amazing! Thumbs up from the entire family! Thanks so much for sharing!

    Reply
    • Karina says

      November 17, 2017 at 7:44 pm

      So good to hear Debbi! Thank you for sharing that with me!

      Reply
      • Shigy says

        April 30, 2019 at 3:30 pm

        Can we use this recipe for Salmon?

        Reply
  29. Veronica says

    July 04, 2017 at 6:32 am

    5 stars
    Made this 4 times and it’s delicious !

    Reply
  30. [email protected] Gibby Home says

    May 20, 2017 at 10:38 am

    4 stars
    This is perfect for those summer nights! Thanks for the post and the idea!

    Reply
  31. Kasey says

    May 19, 2017 at 6:59 am

    I love the recipe’s but no calories​ are posted

    Reply
    • Karina says

      May 19, 2017 at 7:07 am

      Hi Kasey. There are many different on line calculators you can use to work them out.

      Reply
  32. jean oleson says

    May 05, 2017 at 5:57 am

    This looks so good!.Is it possible to use boneless chicken breasts instead?

    Reply
    • Betty Agnew says

      January 10, 2019 at 10:07 am

      5 stars
      Yes, the cook time will be longer because the meat is thicker than bone in.

      Reply
      • Lorraine says

        June 25, 2019 at 6:20 am

        I have found that boneless breasts cook FASTER than bone-in thighs.

        Reply
  33. Amy says

    May 04, 2017 at 5:56 am

    4 stars
    Looks good! Going to make tonight. Funny the video shows parsley as an ingredient but the written recipe doesnt mention it.

    Reply
  34. Ann M says

    May 03, 2017 at 11:11 am

    You are absolutely right – crispy chicken skin wins every time. This recipe sounds delicious!

    Reply
  35. Karen says

    May 03, 2017 at 10:00 am

    5 stars
    I just love all your recipes I’ve been trying really hard to eat low carb, I wished you’d put the nutrition info with the recipes some of the them I can calculate but when your only eating 1200 calories a day every calorie counts!!! Thanks for all the great meal!!!

    Reply
  36. Bethany @ athletic avocado says

    May 03, 2017 at 7:30 am

    There is nothing I love more than flavorful, crispy chicken! Cilantro is also my fave spice, and I adore lime, so I know this is a winner 🙂

    Reply
  37. Jenn says

    May 03, 2017 at 5:43 am

    I am tryin with chicken breast, should I sear still or just bake?

    Reply
  38. Karen says

    May 03, 2017 at 5:22 am

    This looks so delicious. Can I use drumsticks?

    Reply
  39. Scott in Tampa says

    May 03, 2017 at 3:58 am

    Karina. here’s the recipe

    Grilled Pork and Onions Caribbean-Style: Makes 4 servings.

    Ingredients:
    1/3 cup lime juice
    1/4 cup vegetable oil
    2 cloves garlic, crushed
    1 teaspoon salt
    1/2 teaspoon powdered coriander
    1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
    2 onions, sliced
    4 boneless pork loin chops

    Directions:
    In a bowl combine lime juice, oil, crushed garlic cloves, salt, coriander, and cayenne pepper; set aside.
    Arrange thinly sliced onions in a large, shallow dish. Arrange pork chops over onion slices; pour reserved lime marinade over all. Cover and set aside at room temperature for 30 minutes, turning often.
    Meanwhile heat grill (if using coals, wait until they turn white). Place the pork and onions over hot coals for 10 minutes, brushing with the marinade. Turn and cook until done

    Reply
  40. Scott in Tampa says

    May 02, 2017 at 6:00 am

    5 stars
    Excellent dish. I have recipe for pork chops that’s almost identical. Substitute cayenne for the red pepper flakes, pork instead of chicken, slice 2 onions. Place chops and onions in plastic bag, pour in marinade. Grill chops and onions on the grill. One of my wife’s favorites.

    Reply
    • Karina says

      May 02, 2017 at 8:32 am

      Scott! I’m going to try your version. Sounds delicious!

      Reply
  41. Deborah @ The Harvest Kitchen says

    May 01, 2017 at 11:48 pm

    This chicken looks amazing!!! Your photos are always gorgeous!!

    Reply
    • Karina says

      May 01, 2017 at 11:48 pm

      Thank you so much Deborah!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

LOOKING FOR A RECIPE? SEARCH HERE!

HEY Good Food Lovers! It’s nice to see you!

Welcome! My name is Karina and this is my internet kitchen hang-out. A self-confessed balanced foodie sharing some waistline friendly recipes that are full of flavour. Life is too short for bland and boring. …

Read More

Connect with Karina – Cafe Delites

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Footer

Subscribe to Cafe Delites FOR FREE and Receive Recipes Straight Into Your Inbox!

CONNECT WITH KARINA – CAFE DELITES

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Archives

Categories

COPYRIGHT © 2023 CAFE DELITES. All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy