Charcoal-Grilled Garlic Lime Chicken Thighs

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a zesty garlic lime sauce, grilled over charcoal for a perfect smoky finish. This latin american-inspired grilling ready in about 30 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, fresh lime juice, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.5 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until well combined.
  2. Step 2: Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
  3. Step 3: Prepare your charcoal grill for medium-high heat, around 375°F to 400°F, letting the coals ash over before cooking.
  4. Step 4: Place the marinated chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes, until the skin crisps and grill marks appear.
  5. Step 5: Flip the chicken and continue grilling for another 6-8 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached and juices run clear.
  6. Step 6: Remove the chicken from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro over the top before serving for a fresh herb finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Charcoal-Grilled Garlic Lime Chicken Thighs take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Charcoal-Grilled Garlic Lime Chicken Thighs?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charcoal-Grilled Garlic Lime Chicken Thighs?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Charcoal-Grilled Garlic Lime Chicken Thighs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Charcoal-Grilled Garlic Lime Chicken Thighs?

Latin American grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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