Grilled Açaí-Marinated Chicken Skewers
Tender chicken skewers marinated in a fruity açaí berry sauce, grilled to juicy perfection and served with a fresh citrus salsa. This brazilian-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast, thawed frozen açaí puree, lime juice 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 cubes chicken breast
- 1/2 cup, thawed frozen açaí puree
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1, segmented orange
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 1 small, seeded and minced jalapeño
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup thawed frozen açaí puree, 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb cubed chicken breast to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to absorb flavors.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated chicken cubes onto skewers.
- Step 4: Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and edges are lightly charred.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, prepare salsa by combining segments of 1 peeled orange, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, and 1 minced jalapeño in a bowl.
- Step 6: Serve grilled chicken skewers topped with the fresh citrus salsa.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Açaí-Marinated 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 Grilled Açaí-Marinated 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 thawed frozen açaí puree from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Açaí-Marinated 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 Grilled Açaí-Marinated 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 Grilled Açaí-Marinated Chicken Skewers?
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.