Cachaça-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Lime and Garlic

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

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in cachaça, lime juice, and garlic, then grilled to smoky perfection with a citrusy punch. This brazilian ready in about 30 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, cachaça, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup cachaça, 1/4 cup lime juice, 5 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Add 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat (around 425°F). Remove chicken from marinade and place skin side down on the hot grill.
  4. Step 4: Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is crisp and charred in spots.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with a wedge of lime.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cachaça-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Lime and Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Grilled Chicken with Lime and Garlic?

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 Grilled Chicken with Lime and Garlic?

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 Grilled Chicken with Lime and Garlic 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 Grilled Chicken with Lime and Garlic?

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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