Crispy Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs
This Crispy Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs recipe contains 3g protein and 142 calories per serving — note this is primarily a side dish or condiment, not a standalone protein source. Batch-preps 6 servings in quick time on the stovetop, pairing well with higher-protein mains to add flavour without bloating your macros. Built for lifters who need accompaniments that won't interfere with their macro tracking.
Ingredients
- •Olive oil(45g)
Regular (not extra-virgin) olive oil for high-heat cooking. EVOO for dressings.
- •Lime Juice, Fresh(60g)
- •Cilantro, Fresh(60g)
- •Red pepper flakes(5g)
- •Garlic(240g)
- •Brown sugar(10g)
- •Cumin, Ground(4g)
- •Chicken Thigh, Bone-In, Skin-On
Boneless skinless thighs. Fattier than breast but more forgiving to cook.
- •1 pinch salt (to taste)
- •1 pinch pepper (to taste)
- •Cilantro, Fresh
- •Lime
Instructions
- 1In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, red pepper flakes, minced fresh garlic, brown sugar, and ground cumin until combined. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- 2Heat the remaining olive oil in a large cast iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat for 1–2 minutes until shimmering.
- 3Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet and sear for 4–5 minutes over medium-high heat until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and sear the other side for 4–5 minutes until golden, then pour any remaining marinade from the bowl into the skillet around the chicken.
- 4Reduce heat to medium and continue cooking for 10–12 minutes over medium heat, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured at the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone.
- 5Transfer the chicken and pan juices to a cutting board and let rest for 3–5 minutes.
- 6Divide the chicken thighs and pan juices evenly into 6 airtight containers while still warm. Top each portion with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges.
- 7Store containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes until warmed through before serving over rice or cauliflower rice if desired.
Nutrition — Per Serving
142
calories
3g
protein
8g
fat
- Carbohydrates
- 17g
- Saturated fat
- 1.1g
- Sodium
- 14 mg
- Dietary fiber
- 1.5g
6 servings per batch · ~71g each
Macro data sourced from USDA FoodData Central
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How much protein does Crispy Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs have per serving?
Each serving contains only 3g of protein and 142 calories, with 8g fat and 17g carbs. This is a side dish or component rather than a primary protein source for hitting daily protein targets.
How long does Crispy Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs take to prep?
Quick prep time yields 6 servings from one stovetop session, making it efficient to prepare in bulk as a flavored protein component to pair with other higher-protein items. This works well as an add-on to rice, salads, or grain bowls.
Is Crispy Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs good for fat loss?
At only 142 calories per serving, this recipe functions as a low-calorie flavoring component for fat loss phases, though you'll need to pair it with other protein sources to hit daily targets. The minimal carbs keep it flexible for combining with other meal components.
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