Brazilian Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken skewers marinated in a bright citrus blend and grilled to perfection, evoking the vibrant flavors of Brazilian churrasco. This brazilian-inspired grilling ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 320 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tbsp fresh orange juice, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until well combined.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1.5-inch cubes) to the bowl and toss to coat evenly; cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto metal or soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
  4. Step 4: Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes total, turning every 2-3 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro just before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Brazilian Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Brazilian Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep extra-virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Brazilian Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Brazilian Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Brazilian Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers?

Brazilian grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes