Churrasco-Style Skewered Chicken with Lemon and Garlic

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

Tender Brazilian churrasco chicken marinated in lemon, garlic, and herbs, then grilled on skewers for smoky flavor. This Brazilian-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs chicken thighs, lemon juice, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup lemon juice, 5 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano, 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon coarse salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thigh pieces to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 425°F). Thread marinated chicken pieces onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking.
  4. Step 4: Grill the chicken skewers for 5-6 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is nicely charred at the edges.
  5. Step 5: Remove the skewers from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with lime wedges and a side of fresh salad or rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Churrasco-Style Skewered Chicken with Lemon and Garlic 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 Churrasco-Style Skewered Chicken with Lemon 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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Churrasco-Style Skewered Chicken with Lemon 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 Churrasco-Style Skewered Chicken with Lemon 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 Churrasco-Style Skewered Chicken with Lemon and Garlic?

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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