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Cilantro-Lime Chicken Skewers

Cilantro-Lime Chicken Skewers

Juicy and flavorful Cilantro-Lime Chicken Skewers marinated in fresh cilantro, lime juice and zest, garlic, and spices, then grilled to perfection. A quick and easy dish bursting with bright, fresh flavors, perfect for a healthy and crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Skewers

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into evenly sized chunks
  • Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soaked in water for 10 minutes before use)

Marinade

  • 1 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • Juice and zest of 2 limes
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: Combine freshly chopped cilantro, lime juice and zest, minced garlic, olive oil, ground cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk together thoroughly to blend the flavors.
  2. Cut and Marinate the Chicken: Slice the chicken breast into evenly sized chunks, then add them to the marinade. Toss well to coat all pieces and let them soak up the flavors for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper taste.
  3. Thread Chicken onto Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto each skewer, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking.
  4. Grill the Skewers: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook skewers for 3-4 minutes per side or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken juicy.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove the skewers from heat and let them rest for a few minutes to lock in juices. Serve hot garnished with additional fresh cilantro or lime wedges.

Notes

  • Marinate Longer: Allow marinating for at least one hour for maximum flavor absorption.
  • Uniform Pieces: Cut chicken into similar-sized chunks for even cooking and juicy results.
  • Preheat Grill Properly: Ensure a hot grill before adding skewers to create those beautiful sear marks.
  • Don’t Overcrowd Skewers: Leave room between pieces so heat circulates and cooks chicken evenly.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cilantro and lime juice make all the difference compared to dried or bottled options.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cilantro, Lime, Chicken Skewers, Grilled Chicken, Quick Dinner, Healthy, Gluten Free, Appetizer