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Cilantro-Lime Chicken Skewers

Cilantro-Lime Chicken Skewers
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Juicy Cilantro-Lime Chicken Skewers combine fresh cilantro, tangy lime juice, and tender grilled chicken for a vibrant, flavorful meal perfect for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners. This easy recipe offers a quick marinade and simple grilling steps to deliver bright, zesty, and juicy chicken skewers everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1 to 1.5 inch cubes
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 2 fresh limes (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt, to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper, to taste (about ½ teaspoon)
  • Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for at least 20 minutes)

Optional Variations

  • 1–2 finely chopped jalapeños or ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper for a spicy kick
  • Fresh parsley or mint as a substitute for cilantro
  • Firm tofu or halloumi cheese as chicken alternatives for a vegetarian version
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup for a sweet and tangy marinade
  • Bell peppers, red onions, or cherry tomatoes for threading alongside chicken

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together chopped fresh cilantro, freshly squeezed lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper until well blended. This marinade infuses the chicken with bright, savory flavors.
  2. Cut and Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes about 1 to 1.5 inches. Toss the chicken pieces in the prepared marinade ensuring every piece is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours to allow flavors to develop.
  3. Thread the Chicken on Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces evenly onto each skewer, spacing them close but not too crowded to ensure even cooking.
  4. Grill the Skewers: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place skewers on the grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until the chicken is cooked through with nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with extra chopped cilantro and lime wedges for added freshness and flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs: Fresh cilantro and lime juice provide the brightest flavor compared to bottled or dried alternatives.
  • Don’t overcrowd skewers: Leave space between chicken pieces for even cooking and char.
  • Marinate longer for deeper flavor: While 30 minutes is sufficient, marinating up to 4 hours enhances taste.
  • Preheat grill properly: A hot grill sears the chicken quickly and locks in moisture.
  • Rest after grilling: Let chicken rest to allow juices to redistribute for juicier bites.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days or freeze cooked skewers up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or on a grill pan to retain smoky flavor without drying.

Nutrition

Keywords: cilantro lime chicken skewers, grilled chicken, summer BBQ, easy chicken skewers, tangy chicken marinade, healthy grilled chicken

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/cilantro-lime-chicken-skewers/