Grilled Chipotle-Lime Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Yogurt

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

Juicy grilled chicken skewers marinated in chipotle and lime, served with a cooling cilantro yogurt sauce perfect for summer cookouts. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 87 minutes turns boneless skinless chicken breasts, 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: 75 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. In a bowl, mix 2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo, 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add chicken cubes and toss to coat. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken cubes evenly onto the skewers.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until the chicken registers 165°F and has nice grill marks.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, combine 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tsp honey, and 1 tsp lime zest in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and refrigerate until serving.
  5. Step 5: Remove the chicken skewers from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot with the cilantro yogurt sauce on the side for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Chipotle-Lime Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Yogurt take to make?

Total time is about 87 minutes (75 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 with Cilantro Yogurt?

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 with Cilantro Yogurt?

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 with Cilantro Yogurt 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 with Cilantro Yogurt?

Mexican 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.

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