Spicy Chili-Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers
Juicy chicken skewers marinated in a bold chili-lime sauce, grilled to smoky perfection and served with a tangy cilantro yogurt dip. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, lime juice, olive oil 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
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 tsp honey
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes. In a bowl, whisk 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add chicken cubes, toss to coat, and marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
- Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
- Step 3: Grill chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Step 4: While chicken cooks, mix 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro and 1 tsp honey until smooth and well combined.
- Step 5: Serve hot grilled chicken skewers with the cilantro yogurt dip alongside for a cooling contrast.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Chili-Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers 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 Spicy Chili-Lime Grilled Chicken 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 lime juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Chili-Lime Grilled Chicken 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 Spicy Chili-Lime Grilled Chicken 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 Spicy Chili-Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers?
Mexican 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.
