Chili Lime Chicken Thighs (Keto & Whole30)
Published Nov 04, 2020 Updated Jul 11, 2023
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Are you in need for a busy weeknight dinner idea? If so, I got you covered with my brand new Chili Lime Chicken Thighs. They only require 4 simple ingredients and pair great with a side salad or cauliflower mash. These thighs are super crispy and juicy and will please the whole family. Whole30, Keto, Paleo and Gluten Free.
Ingredients needed for these Chili Lime Chicken Thighs:
- Chicken thighs
- Avocado oil
- Tajin seasoning
- Limes
How to make:
Heat the oven to 425F. Add the chicken thighs to a platter and pat dry with a paper towel. Add lime juice all over the front and back of each thigh. Sprinkle the Tajin seasoning all over the top of the chicken thighs, front and back.
In a large cast iron skillet, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, but not smoking, arrange the chicken thighs in the skillet, skin-side down. Cook for 7-8 minutes, or until the skin is well browned, moving the thighs from time to time to make sure they are browning evenly. Do not turn them over though, keep them skin down to get that nice crisp.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and continue cooking, skin-side down, for another 10 minutes. Turn them over and continue cooking for 7 minutes longer. To test for doneness, insert a food thermometer into the thickest part of a thigh. The temperature should be 165F.
Tips for these Chili Lime Chicken Thighs:
- When cooking the chicken thighs, place a splatter screen on top of the skillet. This will help keep your stove clean and prevent grease splatter.
- A cast iron skillet will make all the difference when getting the perfect crispy skin. I love the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet that is only $19 on Amazon.
- Make sure the pan is hot enough before adding the chicken thighs skin side down. If you don’t get that sizzle sound when placing the chicken thighs in the grease, it isn’t hot enough. Allow the pan to heat a little longer.
- Avocado oil is the best oil to use when getting the perfect crispy chicken thigh. This oil has a high smoke point and will deliver when cooking at a higher temperature.
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Chili Lime Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs skin on
- 2 tablespoons Avocado oil
- 1/4 cup Tajin seasoning or more to taste
- 2 Limes juiced
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 425F. Add the chicken thighs to a platter and pat dry with a paper towel. Add lime juice all over the front and back of each thigh. Sprinkle the Tajin seasoning all over the top of the chicken thighs, front and back.
- In a large cast iron skillet, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, but not smoking, arrange the chicken thighs in the skillet, skin-side down. Cook for 7-8 minutes, or until the skin is well browned, moving the thighs from time to time to make sure they are browning evenly. Do not turn them over though, keep them skin down to get that nice crisp.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and continue cooking, skin-side down, for another 10 minutes. Turn them over and continue cooking for 7 minutes longer.
- To test for doneness, insert a food thermometer into the thickest part of a thigh. The temperature should be 165F.
Serve with
Notes
- Make sure to adjust heat on the stovetop as needing so the skin doesn’t burn. You want it to be crispy, but not burnt.
- Tajin seasoning is sold at most grocery stores in the spice isle or Hispanic food section.
- 2 NET CARBS
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Pin these Chili Lime Chicken Thighs to your Pinterest Board:
Check out more healthy recipes below:
- Crackling Cajun Chicken Thighs (Whole30 + Keto)
- Hibachi Chicken Skewers & Veggies (Whole30 + Keto)
- Greek Chicken (Whole30 + Keto)
This is a favorite chicken recipe for my small family! My husband loves the tender meat and the slight spiciness. Not to mention, it is so quick to put together.
Thank you so much! So happy to hear it’s a hit
This recipe was definitely a hit. I was looking for a way to use some chicken thighs, this popped up in my search and I’m so glad it did!! I can’t wait to try more of your recipes. Thank you!!