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
- 1Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- 2In a medium-sized shallow bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil together with the lime juice, chopped cilantro, chili flakes, garlic, sugar and cumin. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to evenly coat. Cover and refrigerate thighs for 15 minutes.
- 3Heat the remaining one tablespoon of oil in a non stick pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add in the thighs along with any marinade left over in the bowl, and sear chicken -- skin-side down -- for 4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy (chicken will not be fully cooked).
- 4Transfer to preheated oven and bake until the chicken is cooked through (about 15-20 minutes).
- 5Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and lime slices or wedges.
- 6Serve over steamed rice or cauliflower rice, and drizzle with the pan juices.
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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