Grilled Cilantro-Lime Chicken Skewers

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

Juicy chicken marinated in a zesty cilantro-lime blend, grilled to perfection on skewers for a flavorful and satisfying meal. This mexican-inspired chicken (high protein, gluten-free) ready in about 27 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, fresh cilantro, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.

★ 4.5 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb cubed boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken cubes onto 6 soaked wooden skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

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 fresh cilantro from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Cilantro-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 Cilantro-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.

Is Grilled Cilantro-Lime Chicken Skewers high protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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