Cilantro Lime Chicken Drumsticks, Crispy and Juicy
Crispy skin, incredibly tender meat, and bright, sunny flavors… this lime and cilantro roasted chicken is the perfect recipe for a quick, flavorful dinner that brings freshness to your table—no restaurant required.
Some simple recipes have that extra something: the kind that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas as they cook and makes everyone eager to sit down and eat.
This oven-roasted chicken with lime and cilantro is definitely one of those dishes.
Inspired by Mexican flavors, it combines everyday ingredients with a vibrant, zesty marinade for a result that’s perfectly crispy on the outside and irresistibly juicy on the inside.
Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Lime and Cilantro
Oven-roasted chicken, delicately flavored with lime, cilantro, and cumin, with crispy skin and tender, juicy meat—pure comfort food at its best. A quick and flavorful dish, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, served with homemade mashed potatoes or cilantro- and lime-scented rice.
For this recipe, I used chicken drumsticks, but you can easily swap them for chicken breasts or thighs, bone-in or boneless, with or without skin—whatever suits your taste.
The chicken pieces are coated in a simple, quick marinade that infuses them with wonderful flavor. I served mine with cilantro and lime rice, a Mexican-inspired recipe I’ve already shared on the blog.
I also sometimes cook the chicken in oven roasting bags. This method helps lock in moisture and flavor, making the meat even more tender—not to mention the baking dish stays clean, which means less washing up… and that’s always a win.
There’s no need to rush to a great Mexican restaurant to treat yourself—delicious food can be made right at home. This chicken is both crispy and juicy, coated in a flavorful sauce you’ll want to save to drizzle generously over the rice served on the side.
This oven-baked lime and cilantro chicken is perfectly crispy and full of character. A beautiful Mexican-inspired dish that delivers rich, sunny flavors once again. Lime, cilantro, and garlic—three simple ingredients that pair wonderfully with chicken and create a true explosion of flavor in every bite.
Four key ingredients you’ll need
- Lime : Always use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor and a bright, refreshing taste.
- Cilantro : If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can replace it with parsley. Personally, I love the combination of lime and cilantro—a classic pairing in Mexican cuisine that works beautifully with chicken.
- Garlic : Garlic plays an essential role in this recipe, adding depth and character. If needed, it can be replaced with onion for a milder flavor.
- Spices : Espelette pepper is optional and can be omitted depending on your tolerance for heat. You can also add a pinch of cumin, also optional, to enhance the Mexican-inspired flavors.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Super easy to make : just a few everyday ingredients, a quick marinade, and the oven does the rest.
- Crispy and juicy : the skin turns perfectly golden while the meat stays tender and flavorful.
- Fresh and vibrant : lime and cilantro bring a bright, aromatic twist that sets this dish apart from classic chicken recipes.
- Easy to customize : use drumsticks, thighs, or chicken breasts, with or without skin, and adjust the spices to your taste.
- Perfect for any occasion : ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal.
- A recipe that takes you on a trip : Mexican-inspired flavors you can enjoy without leaving your kitchen.
Ingredients to make this flavorful, juicy chicken
- 4 chicken drumsticks : (or chicken thighs, with or without skin depending on your preference). Keeping the skin helps achieve crispy chicken, while skinless pieces make for a lighter version.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil : Used for the marinade and cooking. It keeps the chicken moist and helps it brown beautifully.
- Juice of 1 freshly squeezed lime : Essential for a bright, tangy flavor. Avoid bottled juice for the best results.
- Zest of 1 lime : Adds an extra layer of aroma and intensifies the citrus flavor.
- 50 g fresh cilantro, finely chopped : Gently flavors the marinade and gives this recipe its signature taste.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes : Adds a mild kick. Adjust to your heat tolerance.
- 3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced or finely chopped : They bring depth and pair perfectly with lime and cilantro.
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin (optional) : Enhances the Mexican-inspired flavors with a warm, earthy note.
- Salt, to taste : Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish (when serving)
- Fresh cilantro leaves : For freshness and a pop of color.
- Lime slices or wedges : To squeeze over the chicken just before serving for extra brightness.
| Tip : This marinade works just as well with chicken breasts or even chicken wings. |
How to prepare lime and cilantro roasted chicken
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil with the freshly squeezed lime juice.
- Add the chopped fresh cilantro, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, cumin (optional), then season with salt and black pepper.
- Whisk the marinade until well combined and fragrant.
- Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl and mix thoroughly, making sure each piece is well coated with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
- Arrange the marinated chicken drumsticks in a baking dish lined with parchment paper and lightly drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for about 50 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- During cooking, baste the chicken occasionally with the pan juices to keep it moist and juicy.
- Serve the chicken hot, accompanied by cilantro rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
- Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh cilantro and add a few lime wedges for an extra burst of freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this lime chicken ahead of time ?
Yes! The chicken can be marinated several hours in advance, or even overnight in the refrigerator, for deeper flavor.
Can I replace cilantro ?
Absolutely. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, flat-leaf parsley is an excellent substitute.
What should I serve with lime chicken ?
This dish pairs perfectly with cilantro rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Can I use chicken breasts instead ?
Yes, you can. Just adjust the cooking time to prevent the chicken from drying out.
In conclusion
In short, this lime and cilantro chicken ticks all the boxes: a simple, flavorful, and generous recipe that turns everyday ingredients into a dish full of character.
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and delicately seasoned, it easily adapts to all tastes and side dishes.
Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed family meal, this recipe proves that sometimes just a few ingredients are all you need to truly enjoy good food.
A wonderful way to bring a touch of freshness and escape to your home cooking.
Baked chicken drumsticks with Lime and Cilantro
Ingredients
- 4 chicken drumsticks or chicken thighs, with or without skin, depending on your preference
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lime Juice freshly squeezed
- 1 Zest of lime
- 50 g fresh cilantro finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin optional
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
For garnish
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Lime slices or wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil with the freshly squeezed lime juice.
- Add the chopped cilantro, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and cumin (if using). Season with salt and black pepper.
- Whisk the marinade until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- Arrange the marinated chicken drumsticks in a baking dish lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper, lightly drizzled with olive oil.
- Bake for about 50 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Baste the chicken occasionally with the cooking juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Serve the chicken hot, accompanied by cilantro rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges just before serving for an extra burst of freshness.
Notes
