Grilled Lime-Chili Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken skewers marinated in a zesty lime and chili blend, served with a refreshing cilantro yogurt dipping sauce. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes blends lime juice, olive oil, chili powder 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 290 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.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1.5 lbs chicken thigh pieces and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the cilantro yogurt sauce by mixing 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 1 tsp honey in a small bowl. Chill until ready to serve.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the edges develop a slight char.
  5. Step 5: Serve the hot lime-chili chicken skewers immediately with the chilled cilantro yogurt sauce for dipping.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 50 minutes (40 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Lime-Chili Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce?

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 Lime-Chili Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce?

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 with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce 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 with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce?

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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