Cilantro-Lime Mezcal Chicken Skewers
Juicy chicken marinated in mezcal, fresh lime juice, garlic, and cilantro, grilled to perfection and served with a smoky chili dipping sauce. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes pairs Mezzaro artisanal mezcal, Fresh lime juice, minced Garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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 lb, cut into 1-inch pieces Boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp Mezzaro artisanal mezcal
- 2 tbsp Fresh lime juice
- 3, minced Garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- 1 tsp Ground chipotle chili powder
- 1 tsp Honey
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes Wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp Mezzaro artisanal mezcal, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp ground chipotle chili powder, and 1 tsp honey.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
- Step 4: Thread marinated chicken pieces onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, dividing evenly.
- Step 5: Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and let rest for 3 minutes before serving with a smoky chili dipping sauce or fresh lime wedges.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cilantro-Lime Mezcal Chicken Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Cilantro-Lime Mezcal 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 mezzaro artisanal mezcal from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cilantro-Lime Mezcal 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 Cilantro-Lime Mezcal 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 Cilantro-Lime Mezcal 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.
