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Cilantro-Lime Chicken Skewers

Cilantro-Lime Chicken Skewers

Cilantro-Lime Chicken Skewers deliver a vibrant, zesty, and fresh flavor combination with tender, juicy chicken marinated in lime juice, cilantro, garlic, and warm spices. Ready in under 30 minutes, this healthy and versatile dish is perfect for quick weeknight meals, grilled or pan-seared to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Protein

  • 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Marinade

  • 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice and zest of 2 limes
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Equipment

  • Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soaked in water for 20 minutes before use)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine freshly chopped cilantro, lime juice and zest, minced garlic, olive oil, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. This marinade infuses the chicken with bright, tangy, and herbaceous flavors.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken into evenly sized bite-sized pieces for uniform cooking. Toss the chicken pieces thoroughly in the marinade and let sit for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours refrigerated, to absorb all the flavors.
  3. Thread the Chicken on Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them beforehand to prevent burning. Carefully thread marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces to ensure even heat distribution.
  4. Cook the Skewers: Grill the skewers over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side, or pan-sear on a hot skillet until fully cooked and nicely charred. The high heat seals in juices and creates a golden crust.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer skewers to a serving plate and let them rest for a few minutes to redistribute juices, keeping the chicken tender and flavorful.

Notes

  • Marinate longer for deeper flavor, ideally 1-2 hours.
  • Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
  • Use high heat during cooking to achieve a perfect char without drying out the meat.
  • Always use fresh lime juice and zest for the best flavor.
  • Don’t overcrowd skewers; leave space between pieces for proper heat circulation.

Nutrition

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