This “saucy” cilantro lime chicken takes on a delicious Mediterranean twist with a special spice mix and a zesty, garlicy sauce. Word to the wise, make every use of the tasty sauce!
Of the many tasty chicken recipes I have featured here, this cilantro lime chicken is most often requested by my biggest critics–the family. It’s also my go-to recipe when I’m looking for a comforting, unpretentious but bold dish to serve company.
Clearly the stars of this recipe are cilantro, lime, and garlic.
But before they come into play, a Mediterranean spice mix, including two of my favorites (paprika and nutmeg), covers the chicken thighs. A little browning in my go-to extra virgin olive oil begins the process. Then the chicken finishes cooking in the oven, allowing the garlicy au jus to work it’s magic in tenderizing and imparting amazing flavor.
What to Serve with Cilantro Lime Chicken
You get a lot of au jus with this cilantro lime chicken; that’s liquid gold my friend! It tastes way too good to waste; be sure to have your favorite crusty bread to sop it up. You can also serve it on top of some rice, couscous, or orzo pasta.
I do often serve this with Greek potatoes and a simple salad like Fattoush.
WATCH HOW TO MAKE THIS CILANTRO LIME CHICKEN
Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 pieces 1x
Print Recipe
Pin RecipeDescription
All-star cilantro lime chicken recipe, prepared Mediterranean-style with a special spice mix. Cooked to tender perfection in a tasty garlic and lime sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken thighs, bone in, skin on
- Private Reserve Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 6 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 2 limes, juice of
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 bunch cilantro, stems removed, chopped; more for garnish
Spice mix:
- 1 tbsp seasoned salt like this one
- 1 tsp sweet Spanish paprika (or hot paprika, if you like)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
- In a small bowl, mix the spices. Pat the chicken thighs dry, and season each thigh on both sides with the spice mix. Be sure to season underneath the skin as well. Let the chicken thighs sit in room temperature for about 15 minutes.
- When ready, heat 1-2 tbsp of olive oil in a cast iron skillet with a lid like this one. Brown the chicken thighs deeply on both sides in the heated oil. Remove from skillet and set aside briefly.
- Lower the heat and deglaze the skillet with the white wine. Let cook to reduce and then add the broth.
- Bring the liquid to a simmer then add lime juice and garlic.
- Now return the chicken to the skillet; and toss in the cilantro. Bring to a high-simmer for about 5 minutes or so.
- Cover and transfer to the 375 degree F-heated oven for 45 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with more cilantro, if you like.
- A simple fattoush salad and a side of rice, couscous or Greek potatoes complete this chicken dinner.
Notes
- Recommended for this Recipe our Greek Private Reserve extra virgin olive oil (organically grown and processed in Greece!); all-natural paprika, and all-natural ground nutmeg.
- SAVE!  Create your own 3-pack or 6-pack of our all-natural or organic spices! Or try our Ultimate Mediterranean Spice BundleÂ
- Category: Entree
- Method: Braised or Baked
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Cilantro Lime Chicken, Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe, Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs, Baked Chicken, Baked Cilantro Lime Chicken
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I love this website and have tried many dishes from here; all have been truly delicious!
I want to try this recipe next, what would be the best substitute for the white wine for someone who can’t use alcohol in cooking ?
Thanks
Wonderful, Sol! I’m glad you’re enjoying the recipes and sorry I couldn’t get to this question earlier. I would omit the white wine and use just a bit more broth.
This recipe is another absolute winner Suzy. Terrific. I added some vegetables, that you might typically include, and that worked too. This Mediterranean cooking is just fabulous! Many thanks, from England.
★★★★★
My pleasure, Rob! i’m so glad you enjoyed it
Really excellent recipe! The tangy savoriness of the both is a delight, and the juicy tenderness of the chicken so satisfying. I served it over egg noodles with a side of crunchy sourdough bread to give the broth some extra room to play. A crisp green salad and a glass of sauvignon blanc and it is gastronomic bliss! I have made this for guests several times now, and it always gets rave reviews. Thank you!
★★★★★
I’m so glad! Thank you so much for taking the time so share
Love this recipe, if I ever want to impress people I make this. I always use the leftover broth for a soup. Thank you for sharing this recipe 🙂
★★★★★
So glad to hear it, Rebecca! This is a family favorite. Definitely make use of the tasty broth!
Your cilantro lime chicken is five star restaurant quality.
I’ve made it several times and got great reviews.
Excellent recipe
★★★★★
Happy to hear that you enjoy it!
Absolutely easy and delicious. No substitute for a cast iron pan.
★★★★★
Awesome! So glad you enjoyed it.
I made this dish tonight and it was frieken awesome. And yes – I used a wok (with a lid). And it wasn’t cast iron.
★★★★★
Awesome! Thanks for sharing
Made this dish for dinner and my family loved the flavors. Also used your Greek lemon rice recipe and the flavors went well.
This is definitely a keeper. Thank you for the recipe.
★★★★★
Thanks so much, Wendy! I love that you paired this with the lemon rice!
Absolutely incredible! I’ve been cooking Mediterranean for years and this recipe just got elevated to the top of our list. Serve it on top of the Lebanese Rice that she links to and you have a restaurant quality pro-level entree. Everyone is going to love you.
Also – It cooks up and looks exactly like the pics that she has posted. So it looks fantastic too. You almost want to stand there and admire it for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven.
Thanks for posting – Fantastic!
★★★★★
Steve, thanks so much! I am so glad you enjoyed it