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Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs

Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs Recipe

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Tender and juicy on the inside, these Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs are your new dinner routine! Marinated with fresh cilantro, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and chili pepper flakes, these seared boneless chicken thighs come out perfectly juicy and tender every time. Serve with rice, cauliflower rice, tortillas, or roasted veggies for a complete dinner ready in just 30 minutes. Enjoy!

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Pan-seared
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 4 teaspoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons chili pepper flakes
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons instant chicken bouillon

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, combine cilantro, 4 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, chicken bouillon, chili powder, chili pepper flakes, cumin, salt, and pepper. Divide the mixture into two.
  • In a gallon-size Ziploc bag or large bowl, combine chicken thighs and half the marinade mixture. Marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight, turning the bag occasionally. Drain the chicken thighs from the marinade.
  • Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a cast-iron grill pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs to the grill pan in a single layer and cook until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC), about 4-5 minutes per side.
  • Serve the Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs with the remaining lemon-garlic-cilantro mixture on the side. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Cooking Tip: Use a large cast-iron skillet for the best heat distribution and a perfect sear.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve with rice, cauliflower rice, roasted veggies, or shred for tacos.
  • Alternative Cuts: While chicken thighs are preferred for their moisture and flavor, you can use chicken breasts. Slice them horizontally before marinating for even cooking.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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