Grilled Chipotle-Lime Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Yogurt Dip
Juicy chicken skewers marinated in smoky chipotle and zesty lime, grilled to perfection and served with a cooling cilantro yogurt dip. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes blends lime juice, olive oil, ground cumin 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 280 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 peppers, minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp lime zest
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 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. Whisk to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb cubed boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers.
- Step 4: Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning until edges are slightly charred and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 5: While grilling, prepare the dip by mixing 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tsp honey, and 1 tsp lime zest in a small bowl until smooth.
- Step 6: Serve the hot chicken skewers with the cilantro yogurt dip on the side for dipping.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Chipotle-Lime Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Yogurt Dip take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Chipotle-Lime Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Yogurt Dip?
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 Chipotle-Lime Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Yogurt Dip?
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 Dip 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 Dip?
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.
