Skewered Chicken Hearts with Garlic and Lime

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

Traditional Brazilian churrasco chicken hearts marinated with garlic and lime, grilled to juicy tenderness. This brazilian-inspired chicken ready in about 80 minutes pairs cleaned chicken hearts, minced garlic cloves, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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: 70 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 lb cleaned chicken hearts, 5 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp coarse sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix well and marinate covered in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat about 400°F.
  3. Step 3: Thread the marinated chicken hearts evenly onto the soaked wooden skewers, about 6-7 hearts per skewer.
  4. Step 4: Grill the skewers for about 3-4 minutes per side, turning carefully until the chicken hearts are cooked through, slightly charred at the edges, and juicy inside.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and serve immediately with extra lime wedges for squeezing, enjoying the garlicky, tangy flavors typical of Brazilian churrasco.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Skewered Chicken Hearts with Garlic and Lime take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (70 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 Skewered Chicken Hearts with Garlic and Lime?

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 cleaned chicken hearts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Skewered Chicken Hearts with Garlic and Lime?

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 Skewered Chicken Hearts with Garlic and Lime 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 Skewered Chicken Hearts with Garlic and Lime?

Brazilian 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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