Broiled Coconut-Lime Chicken Thighs

Serves four.

To learn more, read:
For More Flavorful, Meaty Chicken, Try the Thigh
by Joanne Weir
from Fine Cooking
Issue 35
Last Edit Date: 7/15/2011 10:27:02 AM

This bake-broil method browns the thighs nicely and would work well with other marinades. Just be sure to keep an eye on the chicken as it broils so that it doesn’t burn.

more about:

2 Tbs. minced fresh ginger
1 tsp. coriander seeds
Pinch turmeric
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp. cayenne
3 scallions (white and green parts), coarsely chopped
Grated zest of 1 lime
Juice of 2 limes
2 Tbs. soy sauce
1 Tbs. rice-wine vinegar
1/3 cup coconut milk
1/4 cup raw peanuts (salted are fine)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
8 chicken thighs (bone in, skin on), excess fat removed
1 Tbs. coarsely chopped peanuts
Cilantro sprigs for garnish
Lime wedges for garnish

In a blender, purée the ginger, coriander seeds, turmeric, garlic, cayenne, scallions, lime zest, lime juice, soy sauce, vinegar, coconut milk, the 1/4 cup peanuts, chopped cilantro, and salt until smooth. Pour the marinade over the chicken thighs and mix well. Marinate for 1 to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

Arrange the oven racks in the middle and top of the oven and heat the oven to 450°F. Line a wide, shallow pan, a jellyroll pan, or a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Arrange the chicken thighs, skin side up, in a single layer with space between. Bake the chicken in the middle of the oven for 15 minutes for small thighs, 20 minutes for larger thighs.

Turn on the broiler. Broil the thighs 5 to 6 inches from the heat source until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and firm to the touch, 10 to 15 minutes. Be sure they don’t burn.

Arrange the chicken thighs on a platter and serve immediately, garnished with the chopped peanuts, cilantro sprigs, and lime wedges.

nutrition information (per serving):
Calories (kcal): 440; Fat (g): 30; Fat Calories (kcal): 270; Saturated Fat (g): 10; Protein (g): 36; Monounsaturated Fat (g): 11; Carbohydrates (g): 10; Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 6; Sodium (mg): 1220; Cholesterol (mg): 115; Fiber (g): 3;

Photo: Scott Phillips

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by Annevdw54, 3/8/2013Followed this recipe exactly and found it super fast and easy to prepare. Cooked chicken a bit longer then recipe called for and broiled about 3-4 minutes instead of the time recipe called for as I did not want to burn chicken.I did however bring the rack down a bit as to prevent burning. Came out perfect. This was a big hit with the family and a definite keeper. Excellent flavors.

by duckyfufu, 4/12/2010This chicken was really, really good. The flavors are just amazing! I love the comment in the recipe to "not let it burn" when broiling, as I found it pretty much impossible to keep it from burning. But, I did keep an eye on it and let it get "just" burnt. I might try baking a little longer and broiling for a shorter amount next time, since it started to burn at just about 7 minutes.

by Braisen, 4/9/2009I have made this half a dozen times. It is flavorful but mild enough for the whole family, and seems to be well-timed for a work-night supper. I marinate it over night, walk in the door start the chicken, throw basmati in the rice cooker, get changed, switch the chicken to broil, make the salad and... voila, a reasonable dinner in 35 minutes.