Cachaça-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Lime and Cilantro

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

Juicy chicken skewers marinated in cachaça, lime juice, and fresh cilantro, grilled for a vibrant Brazilian street food experience. This brazilian-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs cachaça, fresh lime juice, cilantro, chopped 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup cachaça, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to make the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces to the marinade and toss to coat fully. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally 4 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F). Thread marinated chicken pieces onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until cooked through and slightly charred at the edges.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with extra lime wedges.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cachaça-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Lime and Cilantro take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Cachaça-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Lime and Cilantro?

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 cachaça from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cachaça-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Lime and Cilantro?

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 Cachaça-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Lime and Cilantro 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 Cachaça-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Lime and Cilantro?

Brazilian chicken 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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