Grilled Lime-Chili Chicken Skewers

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

Juicy grilled chicken skewers marinated in a zesty lime and chili sauce deliver a perfect balance of heat and citrus brightness. This mexican-inspired no cook ready in about 27 minutes pairs fresh lime juice, olive oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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.

★ 4.4 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until combined.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces to the marinade and toss 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 (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
  4. Step 4: Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has grill marks.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Lime-Chili 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 Lime-Chili 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 lime juice from drying out.

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

Mexican no cook 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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