Chili-Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers
Tender chicken pieces marinated in a zesty chili-lime sauce and grilled to smoky perfection. This Mexican-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, pairs chicken breast, olive oil, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 230 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.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 skewers wooden skewers
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 1 pound chicken breast into 1-inch cubes and place in a mixing bowl.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to create the marinade.
- Step 3: Pour marinade over chicken cubes and toss thoroughly to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1 hour.
- Step 4: Soak 6 wooden skewers in water for 15 minutes to prevent burning.
- Step 5: Thread marinated chicken evenly onto the soaked skewers.
- Step 6: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred at edges.
- Step 7: Remove from grill and allow to rest 3 minutes before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chili-Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (40 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 Chili-Lime Grilled 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 chicken breast from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chili-Lime Grilled 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 Chili-Lime Grilled 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 Chili-Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers?
Mexican 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.
