Brazilian-Style Grilled Chicken Skewers with Garlic and Lime

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

Tender chicken skewers marinated in garlic, lime, and herbs, then grilled to smoky perfection for a Brazilian churrasco experience. This brazilian ready in about 30 minutes pairs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, fresh lime juice, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 6 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Whisk to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 lbs chicken thigh chunks to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours to absorb flavors.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
  4. Step 4: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
  5. Step 5: Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  6. Step 6: Serve with lime wedges and a side of farofa or fresh salad to complete the Brazilian meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Brazilian-Style Grilled Chicken Skewers with Garlic and Lime take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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-Style Grilled Chicken Skewers with Garlic and Lime?

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 fresh lime juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Brazilian-Style Grilled Chicken Skewers with Garlic and Lime?

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-Style Grilled Chicken Skewers with Garlic and Lime 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-Style Grilled Chicken Skewers with Garlic and Lime?

Brazilian brazilian 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.

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