Cilantro lime chicken – Juicy baked chicken thighs marinated with cilantro and lime juice, then pan-seared in olive oil. Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor!!
In a large bowl whisk together 2 tablespoons of oil, lime juice, lime zest, cilantro, garlic, cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Place the chicken thighs inside the bowl and and toss to coat. Leave the chicken to marinate marinate in fridge for at least 30 minutes and up to 8 hours (if you have the time). Turn it once or twice as it marinates.
When ready to cook, preheat oven to 425°. Then, place a cast iron pan or a large heavy bottom pan over over medium-high heat and add remaining 2 tablespoons oil into the pan.
Once the oil is hot, place the chicken with the remaing marinade in the pan add to skillet skin side down. Sear until skin is golden and crispy, about 5 to 6 minutes then flip to the other side and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more.
Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake until chicken is cooked through, 10 to 15 minutes or till the thighs reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.