Hey there, sunshine.
It’s just about picnic weather, you gonna pack the protein?
Any chicken part will do–drumsticks, wings, whole thighs, breast, bone-in or boneless. My preference is skin on and bone-in thighs for maximum flavor and to prevent dryness, but truth be told, this marinade keeps any cut of poultry pretty darn delicious.
Get ready, warm weather waits for you with bated breath!
And also… this marinade totally works for shrimp or other seafood, too. I just won’t have any recipes for those because I’m allergic. But you, dear friend, can take this recipe as inspiration and make your best life by making your best dinner. Mmhmm!
Also also, don’t want to use aluminum foil to bake the chicken on? Get yourself a silpat mat or two STAT.
Cilantro Marinated Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 cloves garlic peeled
- 1/2 onion chopped
- 1 bunch cilantro leaves approx. 1 cup, and part of the stems, they're pretty lovely too
- zest of two limes
- 1/3 cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fermented hot sauce see notes (or 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes or heat of your choice)
- 3 tablespoons wheat-free tamari sauce or coconut aminos
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 3 pounds chicken preferably bone-in, skin on thighs
Instructions
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In a food processor or blender, combine all ingredients except chicken.
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In a large bowl, marinate chicken pieces in the blended cilantro mixture for at least 2 hours or up to one day.
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When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line a baking tray with aluminum foil and place a wire-rack on top.
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Arrange the chicken pieces skin side down on the wire rack, then place in the oven for 50 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through.
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Chicken is done when the internal temperature is 165 degrees--if you are using boneless cuts of chicken, your baking time will be reduced to about 25 minutes instead.
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Chicken will be nicely crunchy, but if you prefer even more crispiness either pop under the broiler for a few minutes, or use your handy kitchen torch and get some color on those chicks.
Recipe Notes
Notes: How to make Fermented Hot Sauce.