These Mexican rooster thighs are impressed by the daring flavors of Mexican delicacies. That includes a flavorful mix of spices, lime, and contemporary cilantro, this straightforward baked rooster recipe delivers crispy, juicy thighs with minimal effort. It is good for a fast weeknight meal or a scrumptious addition to a festive dinner.
Fast, straightforward, and full of taste, these Mexican rooster thighs are the whole lot you want for the proper weeknight dinner. Impressed by the daring flavors of Mexican cooking, this dish options juicy, crispy rooster seasoned with a zesty spice mix and lime. Whereas not essentially an genuine Mexican recipe, it’s a scrumptious nod to the delicacies that’s positive to impress.
What makes this recipe a go-to? It’s easy to organize utilizing pantry staples, and because it bakes within the oven, you possibly can concentrate on different duties whereas dinner cooks to perfection. Pair it with sides like Cilantro Lime Rice or Mexican Black Beans to spherical out the meal.
For simpler and flavorful Mexican-style dinner concepts, take a look at our recipes for Beef and Bean Enchiladas or Beef Mushy Tacos. These rooster thighs are sure to change into a family favourite whether or not you’re cooking for household or meal prepping!
What We Assume You’ll Love About This Recipe
Ingredient Overview
You should definitely take a look at the total recipe and ingredient record beneath
- Bone-In, Pores and skin-On Hen Thighs. These are the star of the dish! The bone and pores and skin preserve the rooster juicy whereas offering further taste and crispy texture.
- Olive Oil. Helps the spice mix persist with the rooster and contributes to the crispy pores and skin.
- Floor Cumin, Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Dried Oregano, Floor Coriander. This daring spice mix creates the signature taste of the dish, with earthy, smoky, and barely spicy notes.
- Salt and Black Pepper. Enhances the general taste of the rooster and spices.
- Lime Juice. Provides a zesty, tangy kick that brightens the flavors and tenderizes the rooster.
- Recent Cilantro. A contemporary garnish that brings shade and a remaining burst of taste.
How one can Make it (With Images)
That is only a transient overview. You should definitely take a look at the total recipe and ingredient record beneath
Pat the rooster thighs dry to make sure crispy pores and skin, then coat them with olive oil and the spice mix. Therapeutic massage the spices evenly into the rooster for full protection. End by drizzling with lime juice and marinating for 15-20 minutes (or as much as 2 hours for deeper taste).
Place the rooster thighs skin-side up on a parchment-lined or greased baking sheet, guaranteeing they’re spaced aside for even cooking. Bake at 400 F (200 C) for 30-35 minutes, till the inner temperature reaches 165 F (74 C) and the pores and skin is golden and crispy. Use an instant-read thermometer to substantiate doneness.
Suggestions for Success
- Pat the Hen Dry. Eradicating extra moisture from the rooster thighs ensures the pores and skin will get superbly crispy throughout baking. Don’t skip this step!
- Evenly Coat with Spices. Therapeutic massage the spice mix into the rooster to verify the flavors penetrate and each chunk is seasoned completely.
- Don’t Skip the Lime Juice. The lime juice not solely provides zesty taste but in addition helps tenderize the rooster, making it further juicy.
- Marinate for Most Taste. Whereas 15-20 minutes is ample, letting the rooster marinate for as much as 2 hours within the fridge enhances the flavour much more. Simply remember to convey it to room temperature earlier than baking.
- House the Hen Out. Organize the thighs with house in between on the baking sheet to permit even airflow and correct browning.
- Use an Instantaneous Learn Thermometer. To keep away from undercooking or overcooking, verify the inner temperature of the rooster. It ought to attain 165 F (74 C) within the thickest half with out touching the bone.
- Crisp the Pores and skin. For extra-crispy pores and skin, you possibly can broil the rooster for 2-3 minutes on the finish of baking, however preserve a detailed eye on it to stop burning.
- Let it Relaxation. After baking, let the rooster relaxation for five minutes earlier than serving. This enables the juices to redistribute, maintaining the meat moist and flavorful.
Storage and Reheating Directions
Storing Leftovers:
- Enable the rooster to chill utterly earlier than storing.
- Place the rooster thighs in an hermetic container and retailer them within the fridge for as much as 4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the rooster in a freezer-safe container or bag for as much as 3 months. You should definitely take away as a lot air as doable to stop freezer burn.
Reheating Refrigerated Hen:
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 F (177 C). Place the rooster thighs on a baking sheet and canopy them loosely with foil to stop drying out. Warmth for 15-20 minutes or till warmed by means of.
- Microwave: Place the rooster on a microwave-safe plate and canopy with a humid paper towel to maintain it moist. Warmth on medium energy in 30-second increments till warmed by means of.
Reheating Frozen Hen:
- Thaw the rooster within the fridge in a single day earlier than reheating. Observe the oven or microwave directions above.
- In the event you’re brief on time, you possibly can reheat straight from frozen within the oven at 350 F (175 C). Cowl with foil and bake for 25-Half-hour, then take away the foil and bake for an extra 5 minutes to crisp up the pores and skin.
Suggestions for the Finest Outcomes
Keep away from over-reheating, as this may dry out the rooster.
For crispy pores and skin, reheat within the oven or air fryer as a substitute of the microwave.
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Mexican-Impressed Recipes
Parchment paper (optionally available)
- 6 bone-in, skin-on rooster thighs
- 1 teaspoon floor cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon floor coriander
- Salt and black pepper to style
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lime juiced
- ¼ cup contemporary cilantro chopped (for garnish)
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Pat the rooster thighs dry with paper towels to take away extra moisture. This helps the pores and skin crisp up throughout baking. (Notice 1)
6 bone-in, skin-on rooster thighs
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Season Hen: In a small bowl, combine collectively cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, floor coriander, salt, and black pepper. Make sure the mix is evenly blended.
1 teaspoon floor cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon floor coriander, Salt and black pepper to style
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Rub the rooster thighs with olive oil, guaranteeing they’re well-coated. Sprinkle the spice combination evenly over the rooster, ensuring to coat either side. Therapeutic massage the spices into the rooster for even protection. (Notice 2)
2 tablespoons olive oil
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Marinate: Place the seasoned rooster in a bowl and drizzle with lime juice. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes at room temperature. For deeper taste, marinate as much as 2 hours within the fridge, then convey to room temperature earlier than baking. (Notice 3)
1 lime
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About 10 minutes earlier than the marinating time is up, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Organize the rooster thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a greased baking dish. Be certain the thighs are spaced aside for even cooking. Bake within the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or till the inner temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the pores and skin is golden and crispy. Use an prompt learn thermometer to verify doneness. (Notice 4)
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Begin checking the rooster round Half-hour to make sure it is cooked by means of however not overdone. Modify the time as wanted primarily based in your oven and the dimensions of the rooster thighs. (Notice 5)
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Optionally available step: For extra-crispy pores and skin, broil the rooster for 2-3 minutes on the finish of baking. Maintain a detailed eye to stop burning. (Notice 6)
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Let the rooster relaxation for five minutes after baking to retain juices. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a contemporary end. (Notice 7)
¼ cup contemporary cilantro
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Serve the rooster thighs with sides like cilantro-lime rice, black beans, or a contemporary inexperienced salad.
- Patting the rooster dry helps obtain crispy, golden pores and skin by eradicating extra moisture.
- Massaging the spices into the rooster ensures each chunk is full of taste.
- An extended marination enhances taste, however even a brief relaxation with lime juice makes a giant distinction.
- An prompt learn thermometer helps to attain juicy outcomes. Insert it into the thickest a part of the meat, avoiding the bone.
- Start checking for doneness at Half-hour. Smaller thighs might prepare dinner sooner, whereas bigger ones might have nearer to 35 minutes.
- Broiling provides an irresistible crispness. Maintain the rooster on the middle of the oven to keep away from over-charring.
- Resting the rooster permits the juices to redistribute, maintaining the meat moist and flavorful.
Energy: 368kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 24g | Fats: 29g | Saturated Fats: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fats: 6g | Monounsaturated Fats: 13g | Trans Fats: 0.1g | Ldl cholesterol: 142mg | Sodium: 119mg | Potassium: 345mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 433IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 2mg
Servings: 6 servings
Energy: 368kcal
