Churrasco-Style Grilled Chicken Thighs with Lime

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

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in citrus and cumin, perfect for outdoor cooking. This brazilian ready in about 24 minutes pairs chicken thighs, lime juice, olive oil 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: 10 min Cook: 14 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1.5 pounds chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then place in a resealable bag.
  2. Step 2: Whisk 3 tablespoons lime juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl.
  3. Step 3: Pour marinade over chicken, seal bag, and massage to coat evenly. Marinate in refrigerator for 2 hours or overnight.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high (375°F/190°C) and oil grates.
  5. Step 5: Grill thighs 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and edges are slightly charred.
  6. Step 6: Rest 5 minutes before serving to retain juices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Churrasco-Style Grilled Chicken Thighs with Lime take to make?

Total time is about 24 minutes (10 min prep + 14 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 Churrasco-Style Grilled Chicken Thighs with 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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Churrasco-Style Grilled Chicken Thighs with 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 Churrasco-Style Grilled Chicken Thighs with 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 Churrasco-Style Grilled Chicken Thighs with 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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