Lime-Cilantro Marinated Chicken Skewers with Coconut Rice
Tender chicken skewers grilled with zesty lime and cilantro, served over fragrant coconut rice for an authentic Brazilian taste. This brazilian ready in about 50 minutes pairs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, fresh lime juice, extra-virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup scallions
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to form a marinade. Add 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes, and toss to coat evenly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup long-grain white rice, 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk, and 1 cup water. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken cubes onto 8-inch metal skewers, leaving space between pieces. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning once halfway, until chicken is cooked through and edges are slightly charred.
- Step 4: Stir 1/2 cup frozen peas into the cooked rice and let sit for 2 minutes to thaw. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped scallions before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lime-Cilantro Marinated Chicken Skewers with Coconut Rice take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 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 Lime-Cilantro Marinated Chicken Skewers with Coconut Rice?
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 Lime-Cilantro Marinated Chicken Skewers with Coconut Rice?
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 Lime-Cilantro Marinated Chicken Skewers with Coconut Rice 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 Lime-Cilantro Marinated Chicken Skewers with Coconut Rice?
Brazilian brazilian 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved it! The lime-cilantro combo is amazing for summer nights.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a family dinner—kids devoured the coconut rice and skewers.
- ★★★★★
This recipe transformed my weeknight dinner. The coconut rice was creamy and fragrant, and the chicken was so juicy. I'll be making this every week!
