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Best Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Skewers

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These grilled chili lime chicken skewers feature tender, juicy chicken with smoky char marks and a bright, citrusy marinade. Perfect for summer cookouts or quick weeknight dinners, they come together in about 30 minutes of active time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2–3 limes)
  • 1 tablespoon lime zest
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • ¼ cup olive oil, plus more for the grill
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • Wooden or metal skewers
  • Optional garnish: fresh cilantro, extra lime wedges, flaky sea salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a small saucepan over low heat, warm ¼ cup of olive oil. Add the chili powder and ground cumin, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. In a medium bowl, whisk together the warm spiced oil, fresh lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper.
  2. Prep the chicken: Trim excess fat from chicken thighs and cut into 1½-inch pieces. Place in a large bowl, pour marinade over, and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours.
  3. Soak skewers and prep the grill: If using wooden skewers, soak in water for at least 30 minutes. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F). Clean grates and lightly oil them.
  4. Thread the skewers: Remove chicken from refrigerator. Thread pieces onto skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece for even cooking.
  5. Grill the skewers: Place skewers on preheated grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side without moving, then flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Rest and serve: Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Squeeze extra lime juice over top and garnish with fresh cilantro and flaky sea salt if desired.

Notes

Bloom the spices in warm olive oil first for deeper flavor. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave space between pieces for even cooking. Avoid basting with leftover marinade that has touched raw chicken. Let skewers rest after grilling to keep chicken moist.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken skewers, chili lime chicken, summer grilling, chicken skewers, easy dinner

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/best-grilled-chili-lime-chicken-skewers/