Grilled Chili-Lime Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce
Juicy grilled chicken skewers marinated in chili and lime, served with a cooling cilantro yogurt sauce for a perfect summer appetizer or meal. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 52 minutes pairs red chili powder, ground cumin, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 clove garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp honey
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix well and marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers.
- Step 3: Grill chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until charred at edges and cooked through.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare the cilantro yogurt sauce by mixing 1/2 cup Greek yogurt with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tsp honey in a small bowl.
- Step 5: Serve the hot grilled chicken skewers with the cilantro yogurt sauce alongside for dipping.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Chili-Lime Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 52 minutes (40 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 Chili-Lime Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce?
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 red chili powder from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Chili-Lime Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Yogurt 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 Chili-Lime Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Yogurt 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 Chili-Lime Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce?
Mediterranean 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved it! So easy to make and packed with authentic Mediterranean flair. Will be a weekly staple.
- ★★★★★
Simple yet stunning flavors—my whole family devoured these skewers. The lime in the chicken really elevated it beyond ordinary grilled chicken.
- ★★★★★
The chili-lime chicken was perfectly tender and the cilantro yogurt sauce cut through the richness beautifully. Made this for a dinner party and got endless compliments!