1-Step 1: Prepare the Marinade Start by gathering all your ingredients to streamline the cooking process. You’ll want to zest your limes before juicing them, as it’s easier to handle the whole fruit. In a large ziplock bag, combine the boneless skinless chicken thighs with 1/2 cup freshly-squeezed lime juice, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Seal the bag and toss everything together to coat the chicken evenly. This marinade is what gives the dish its signature zesty flavor and helps tenderize the meat for maximum juiciness.

2-Step 2: Marinate the Chicken Place the sealed bag in the refrigerator and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you’re planning ahead, you can marinate it for up to 8 hours, which will intensify the flavors even more! The lime juice will subtly break down the proteins in the chicken, making it more tender and allowing the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat. This marinating time is what transforms simple chicken into extraordinary Easy Lime Chicken.

3-Step 3: Prepare for Baking When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven heats, lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade using a slotted spoon, but make sure to reserve the remaining marinade in the bag. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.

4-Step 4: First Bake Brush the chicken with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter. If you prefer, you can add an extra sprinkle of salt and pepper at this point. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. This initial cooking period starts the cooking process and allows the chicken to begin absorbing those wonderful lime and garlic flavors.

5-Step 5: Baste and Continue Baking After the first 20 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven. Using a brush or spoon, apply the reserved marinade over the chicken pieces. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.

6-Step 6: Finishing Touches Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven. While it’s still hot, sprinkle the zest of two limes and the 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro over the top. These fresh ingredients will wake up the flavors and add a beautiful pop of color to your dish. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.