Quina-Style Spiced Chicken Skewers with Chimichurri
Tender chicken skewers marinated in warm spices and served with a fresh chimichurri sauce, inspired by the vibrant flavors of Brazilian street food. This brazilian-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 50 minutes pairs olive oil, smoked paprika, ground cumin 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 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 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 2 tbsp water
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thigh pieces and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the chimichurri by finely chopping 1/2 cup fresh parsley and 1/4 cup fresh cilantro. Mix with 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 clove minced garlic, 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, and 2 tbsp water. Stir well and set aside.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers.
- Step 4: Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the edges are slightly charred.
- Step 5: Remove skewers from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve drizzled with the fresh chimichurri sauce for a bright, spicy contrast.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Quina-Style Spiced Chicken Skewers with Chimichurri take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (40 min prep + 10 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 Quina-Style Spiced Chicken Skewers with Chimichurri?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Quina-Style Spiced Chicken Skewers with Chimichurri?
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 Quina-Style Spiced Chicken Skewers with Chimichurri 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 Quina-Style Spiced Chicken Skewers with Chimichurri?
Brazilian bbq & smoked 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.
