Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the most mouthwatering, zesty chicken kabobs you've ever experienced! These garlic and lime chicken skewers are not just a meal; they're a culinary adventure that will transport your senses straight to a vibrant Mexican street food paradise. With a perfect balance of citrusy lime, aromatic garlic, and perfectly grilled chicken, this recipe is about to become your new go-to dish for impressing family and friends.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of chicken breast, 3 cloves of garlic, 2 limes, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of cumin, salt, and pepper. Ensure you have skewers ready, either wooden or metal. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.
- Next, prepare the marinade. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the minced garlic, juice of 2 limes, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well blended.
- Cut the chicken breast into even-sized cubes, approximately 1 to
- 5 inches in size. This ensures that they cook evenly on the skewers.
- Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken and marinade to a resealable plastic bag. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more intense flavor.
- While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat on the stove.
- Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
- Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook the chicken kabobs for about 12 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken.
- Serve the garlic and lime chicken kabobs warm, garnished with lime wedges and fresh cilantro if desired. These kabobs pair well with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Marinating Magic: The key to incredible flavor is allowing enough marinating time. While 20 minutes works, aim for 2 hours if possible to let the chicken fully absorb those delicious lime and garlic notes.
- Skewer Strategy: Use metal skewers for easier handling, or if using wooden skewers, always soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Chicken Cutting Technique: Cut chicken into uniform 1-
- 5 inch cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Resting Rule: Let kabobs rest for a few minutes after grilling to help redistribute juices, keeping the meat tender and flavorful.
- Serving Suggestion: Enhance the dish with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, extra lime wedges, or a side of cool, creamy tzatziki sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 234kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 85mg
