Grilled Garlic-Lime Chicken Skewers with Brazilian Vinaigrette

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

Tender chicken pieces marinated in garlic and lime, grilled to perfection, and served with a tangy Brazilian vinaigrette. This brazilian-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, garlic cloves, fresh 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. 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 Brazilian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1.5-inch cubes with 5 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss well to coat, cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 425°F). Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers.
  3. Step 3: Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until fully cooked and nicely charred on the edges. Remove from grill and rest for 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare the Brazilian vinaigrette by whisking together 1 thinly sliced small red onion, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, and salt to taste in a small bowl.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled chicken skewers topped with the fresh vinaigrette.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Garlic-Lime Chicken Skewers with Brazilian Vinaigrette 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 Garlic-Lime Chicken Skewers with Brazilian Vinaigrette?

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 garlic cloves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Garlic-Lime Chicken Skewers with Brazilian Vinaigrette?

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 Garlic-Lime Chicken Skewers with Brazilian Vinaigrette 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 Garlic-Lime Chicken Skewers with Brazilian Vinaigrette?

Brazilian 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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