Grilled Chicken Yuca Skewers with Garlic-Lime Sauce

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

Juicy grilled Salvadoran-style chicken skewers served alongside tender boiled yuca, complemented by a zesty garlic-lime dipping sauce. This latin american-inspired chicken ready in about 70 minutes blends garlic cloves, minced, lime juice, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 40 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 420 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1.5 lbs chicken thigh pieces with 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; mix well and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, place 2 lbs peeled and chunked yuca in a large pot with 6 cups water. Bring to a boil and cook for 20-25 minutes until the yuca is tender and pierced easily with a fork.
  3. Step 3: Drain yuca and remove the fibrous core from each piece.
  4. Step 4: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
  5. Step 5: Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through.
  6. Step 6: For the sauce, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tsp lime zest, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 tbsp lime juice in a small bowl; stir until smooth.
  7. Step 7: Serve the grilled chicken skewers hot alongside the boiled yuca, with the garlic-lime sauce on the side for dipping.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Chicken Yuca Skewers with Garlic-Lime Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (40 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Chicken Yuca Skewers with Garlic-Lime Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Chicken Yuca Skewers with Garlic-Lime Sauce?

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 Chicken Yuca Skewers with Garlic-Lime Sauce 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 Chicken Yuca Skewers with Garlic-Lime Sauce?

Latin American 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.

Related recipes