Rodízio-Style Chicken Hearts Skewers

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

Juicy chicken hearts marinated in garlic and herbs, skewered and grilled in the traditional Brazilian rodízio style. This brazilian ready in about 85 minutes pairs chicken hearts, garlic cloves, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 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: 75 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb cleaned chicken hearts with 5 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss well to coat and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium heat (about 375°F). Thread the marinated chicken hearts onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, spacing evenly.
  3. Step 3: Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning carefully until the hearts are browned on the outside and cooked through but still tender inside.
  4. Step 4: Remove from the grill and let rest for 3 minutes before serving. Serve with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Rodízio-Style Chicken Hearts Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 85 minutes (75 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 Rodízio-Style Chicken Hearts 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 chicken hearts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Rodízio-Style Chicken Hearts 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 Rodízio-Style Chicken Hearts 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 Rodízio-Style Chicken Hearts Skewers?

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.

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