Grilled Chipotle-Lime Chicken Skewers

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

Juicy chicken skewers marinated in a smoky chipotle and lime sauce, grilled to perfection for a flavorful and festive Father’s Day meal. This mexican-inspired grilling ready in about 27 minutes turns cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast, fresh lime juice, olive oil into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. 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 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 lbs cubed chicken breast to the marinade, tossing well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers evenly.
  4. Step 4: Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the edges have light char marks.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill, sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and serve immediately with lime wedges.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Chipotle-Lime 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 Chipotle-Lime Chicken Skewers?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Chipotle-Lime 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 Chipotle-Lime 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 Chipotle-Lime Chicken Skewers?

Mexican grilling 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.

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