Skewered Garlic-Lime Brazilian Chicken Churrasco

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

Tender chicken marinated in zesty lime and garlic, grilled on skewers to capture the smoky essence of Brazilian churrasco. This brazilian-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes pairs pounds boneless chicken thighs, fresh lime juice, garlic cloves, minced 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until well combined.
  2. Step 2: Cut 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs into 1.5-inch pieces and toss with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4 hours, to absorb flavors.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto 6 soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
  4. Step 4: Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has charred grill marks, turning once.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Skewered Garlic-Lime Brazilian Chicken Churrasco take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Garlic-Lime Brazilian Chicken Churrasco?

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 Skewered Garlic-Lime Brazilian Chicken Churrasco?

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 Garlic-Lime Brazilian Chicken Churrasco 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 Garlic-Lime Brazilian Chicken Churrasco?

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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