Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the most mouthwatering, zesty chicken skewers that will transport you straight to a Mexican street food paradise! These Chili Lime Chicken Skewers are not just a meal, they're a culinary adventure that combines the perfect balance of tangy lime, spicy chili, and juicy chicken - guaranteed to make your dinner guests beg for the recipe. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that's so easy and delicious, it'll become your new go-to weeknight dinner sensation!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (soaked in water if wooden)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Add chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15-30 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20-30 minutes prior to prevent burning during grilling.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
- Thread marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving a small space between pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Grill skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, rotating to achieve nice char marks and ensuring chicken is cooked through with internal temperature reaching 165°F.
- Remove skewers from heat and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh lime wedges and chopped cilantro.
Tips
- Marination is Key: Don't rush the marinating process. The longer the chicken sits in the lime and spice mixture (ideally 30 minutes), the more flavor it will absorb.
- Skewer Smart: Leave a small space between chicken cubes on the skewer to ensure even cooking and beautiful grill marks.
- Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches 165°F internally - this guarantees both safety and juiciness.
- Wooden Skewer Hack: Always soak wooden skewers in water for 20-30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Rest Your Meat: Allow skewers to rest 3-5 minutes after grilling to help juices redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.Pro Tip: For extra flavor, consider garnishing with fresh cilantro and serving with a side of cooling yogurt or sour cream to balance the spice!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 253kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 93mg
