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Easy Skillet Cilantro Chicken

Easy Skillet Cilantro Chicken

Juicy, seared chicken thighs tossed in a bright cilantro-lime sauce. A weeknight-friendly skillet dinner ready in about 30 minutes.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped loosely packed
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon honey optional
  • 0.25 cup low-sodium chicken broth for deglazing
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Make the sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the cilantro (1.0 cup), lime juice, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, honey, 1.0 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Blend until mostly smooth and bright green.
  • Pat chicken dry. Add half of the cilantro sauce to the chicken and toss to coat; reserve the remaining sauce for finishing.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1.0 tablespoon olive oil. Sear chicken in a single layer until browned, 4 to 5 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Deglaze: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up browned bits. Simmer 1 to 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  • Finish: Reduce heat to low and pour in the reserved cilantro sauce. Toss to coat and warm through for 1 to 2 minutes. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  • Garnish with chopped cilantro and red pepper flakes. Rest 3 minutes, then serve with rice, tortillas, or a simple salad.

Notes

For extra tenderness, marinate the chicken in half the sauce for up to 30 minutes in the fridge. Chicken breasts can be substituted; pound to even thickness and reduce cook time slightly.