Grilled Brazilian-Style Lime and Herb Chicken Skewers

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

Juicy chicken skewers marinated with zesty lime and fresh herbs, grilled to perfection for a vibrant Brazilian street food experience. This brazilian-inspired chicken (gluten-free, high-protein) ready in about 27 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, fresh lime juice, olive oil 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes and place in a large bowl.
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until well combined.
  3. Step 3: Pour the marinade over the chicken cubes and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours to infuse flavors.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the 6 soaked wooden skewers evenly.
  5. Step 5: Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Step 6: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with lime wedges and fresh herbs for garnish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Brazilian-Style Lime and Herb 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 Brazilian-Style Lime and Herb 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 fresh lime juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Brazilian-Style Lime and Herb 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 Brazilian-Style Lime and Herb 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.

Is Grilled Brazilian-Style Lime and Herb Chicken Skewers gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free, high-protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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