Zesty Grilled Lime Chicken Thighs
This Zesty Grilled Lime Chicken Thighs recipe is the perfect embodiment of summer flavors, combining the brightness of fresh lime with aromatic tarragon and the savory richness of chicken thighs. Marinated to perfection, these beautifully grilled thighs are juicy on the inside with a slight char on the outside, making them a fantastic centerpiece for your summer barbecues or family gatherings. Pair them with refreshing frozen margaritas for a truly delightful meal that will impress your guests and become a repeat favorite at your dinner table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken thighs
2 lbs (boneless and skinless)
fresh lime juice
1/2 cup (freshly squeezed)
extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup (none)
dry tarragon
2 teaspoons (dried)
minced onion
1 tablespoon (freshly minced)
hot sauce
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the olive oil, fresh lime juice, minced onion, tarragon, salt, and hot sauce. Shake the bag to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
2
Add the chicken thighs to the bag, ensuring they are well coated with the marinade. Squeeze out excess air, seal the bag, and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours to let the flavors infuse. For best results, let it marinate overnight.
3
Prepare your outdoor grill by preheating it to medium heat. Lightly oil the grill grate to prevent sticking.
4
Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and let any excess drip off, discarding the leftover marinade. Season the chicken with additional salt and pepper to taste.
5
Place the chicken thighs on the grill, cooking for about 30 minutes. Turn them occasionally to achieve even grilling, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the meat is no longer pink in the center.
6
Once done, remove the chicken from the grill, let rest for a few minutes, and serve immediately. Enjoy your meal with frozen margaritas or your favorite summer sides!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Grilled Lime Chicken Thighs?
This recipe is a summer-inspired dish featuring chicken thighs marinated in a mixture of fresh lime juice, olive oil, tarragon, and hot sauce, then grilled to perfection.
What type of chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of boneless and skinless chicken thighs.
What ingredients are needed for the marinade?
The marinade consists of extra virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, minced onion, dry tarragon, salt, and hot sauce.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
You should marinate the chicken for a minimum of 4 hours, or overnight for the best results.
What is the recommended cooking method?
The chicken should be grilled on an outdoor grill preheated to medium heat.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
Lightly oil the grill grate before placing the chicken thighs on it.
What temperature should the chicken reach to be safe?
The chicken is cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
How long does it take to grill the chicken?
It typically takes about 30 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking.
What should I do with the leftover marinade?
You should discard any leftover marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken.
How do I know the chicken is done without a thermometer?
The meat should no longer be pink in the center and juices should run clear.
Why should I let the chicken rest after grilling?
Resting the chicken for a few minutes allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender.
What beverage pairs well with this lime chicken?
Refreshing frozen margaritas are highly recommended as a pairing for this meal.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a slight kick from 1/2 teaspoon of hot sauce, but it is generally considered zesty rather than very hot.
Can I use fresh tarragon instead of dry?
Yes, though dry tarragon is specified, fresh can be used if you adjust the quantity (usually using more fresh than dry).
How much lime juice is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice.
What kind of onion should I use?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of freshly minced onion.
Can I use chicken breasts instead?
Yes, but thighs are recommended for their richness and juiciness; breasts may require a shorter cooking time.
Is the olive oil extra virgin?
Yes, the recipe specifically suggests using 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
How should I season the chicken before grilling?
After removing the chicken from the marinade, season it with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Can I marinate the chicken for more than 4 hours?
Yes, marinating it overnight is actually recommended for better flavor infusion.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 total ingredients: chicken thighs, lime juice, olive oil, tarragon, onion, hot sauce, salt, and pepper.
What flavor does tarragon add?
Tarragon provides an aromatic, slightly licorice-like flavor that pairs well with the acidity of the lime.
Can I use a different type of oil?
While extra virgin olive oil is best for flavor, other neutral oils can be used for the marinade if necessary.
Is this a good recipe for barbecues?
Yes, it is described as a fantastic centerpiece for summer barbecues and family gatherings.
How do I prepare the marinade bag?
Combine the oil, lime juice, onion, tarragon, salt, and hot sauce in a large resealable bag and shake to mix.
Should I remove the air from the marinade bag?
Yes, squeeze out excess air before sealing the bag to ensure the chicken is fully coated.
Can I cook this on a grill pan?
Yes, if an outdoor grill is unavailable, a stovetop grill pan can be used as an alternative.
What is the texture of the finished chicken?
The chicken should be juicy on the inside with a slight char on the outside.
Can I add more hot sauce?
Yes, the amount of hot sauce can be adjusted to taste if you prefer a spicier profile.
What are some recommended sides?
The recipe suggests serving it with your favorite summer sides, such as corn on the cob or a fresh salad.