Home – Recipes – Zesty Chili Lime Chicken Skewers Recipe for Perfect Grilled Flavor
First Posted May 9, 2025 | Last Updated on May 15, 2025 by BBQ Pit Master
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Looking for a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for grilling season? The Zesty Chili Lime Chicken Skewers Recipe is just what you need!
These skewers are packed with flavor, making them a delightful addition to any barbecue or gathering.
The tangy lime juice and spicy chili seasoning create a harmonious balance that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
These chicken skewers are not only easy to make but are also incredibly versatile. You can serve them as an appetizer, main dish, or even as part of a salad.
Whether you’re firing up the grill on a sunny day or cooking indoors, these skewers will brighten your meal with their vibrant flavors.
Grilled to Perfection: Zesty Chili Lime Chicken Skewers
The Zesty Chili Lime Chicken Skewers are a feast for the senses. Each piece of chicken is marinated in a lively combination of lime juice, chili powder, and garlic, creating an explosion of flavors that resonates with every bite.
Perfectly grilled to achieve a smoky finish, these skewers are tender and juicy, making them an excellent feature for any outdoor gathering.
Ideal for summer cookouts, they promise to impress guests with their vibrant taste and colorful presentation.
Essential Ingredients for Flavor
To make these skewers truly shine, high-quality ingredients are key. Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes, which are both easy to handle and absorb the marinade beautifully.
The marinade consists of fresh lime juice and olive oil, combined with chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This zesty mixture infuses the chicken with flavor, ensuring each bite is a delight.
Preparation: Marinating the Chicken
The first step in creating these zesty skewers is preparing the marinade. Whisk together lime juice, olive oil, and the selected spices in a bowl, then add the chicken, tossing to ensure even coverage.
Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even up to 4 hours, intensifies the flavors. This preparation is essential for achieving the best taste, ensuring the chicken is infused with the vibrant essence of the marinade.
Grilling: The Heart of the Recipe
Once the chicken is marinated, it’s time to grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, allowing it to reach the ideal temperature for cooking.
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, ensuring some space between each piece to promote even cooking. Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are fully cooked and display beautiful grill marks.
After grilling, let the skewers rest for a few minutes to retain their juices. These flavorful skewers can be served with fresh lime wedges and garnished with cilantro for an extra touch of freshness.
Pair them with a colorful assortment of grilled vegetables for a complete meal that is visually appealing and packed with nutrients. This combination not only enhances the presentation but also adds variety to the dining experience.
Enjoying the Zesty Experience
The Zesty Chili Lime Chicken Skewers offer a delightful flavor profile that is perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a main dish at a barbecue or as part of a casual family dinner, they are sure to be a hit.
Invite your friends and family to enjoy these vibrant skewers, and watch as they savor each bite of this enticing dish, making it a memorable addition to any meal.
Grilled to Perfection: Zesty Chili Lime Chicken Skewers
Zesty Chili Lime Chicken Skewers Recipe for Perfect Grilled Flavor
Author BBQ Pit Master
The Zesty Chili Lime Chicken Skewers are juicy and tender, marinated in a zesty blend of lime juice, chili powder, and garlic. Each bite is an explosion of flavor that perfectly complements the smoky char from the grill. Ideal for summer cookouts or any family dinner, these skewers are sure to impress.
Ingredients
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Skewers (soaked in water if using wooden ones)
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more flavor.
Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
Serve: Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside fresh salads.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 57 minutes
Nutrition Information
Servings: 4 skewers
Calories: 220kcal
Fat: 10g
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Brief Background
Chili lime chicken skewers are a vibrant mix of spicy, tangy, and smoky flavors.
Popular in Latin-inspired and Southeast Asian grilling, this recipe brings bold marinade flavors to juicy grilled chicken—perfect for BBQs, meal prep, or quick weeknight dinners.
Grilling Tips or Variations
Cut evenly: Keep chicken pieces the same size (about 1–1.5 inches) for even cooking.
Soak wooden skewers: Soak in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
Medium-high heat: Grill over medium-high heat for 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes.
Oil the grates: Prevent sticking by lightly oiling grill grates before cooking.
Marinate for flavor: Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes—or up to 4 hours—for deeper chili-lime flavor.
Tasty Variations
Add veggies: Alternate chicken with bell peppers, onions, or zucchini on the skewers.
Sweet heat glaze: Brush with a honey-lime glaze during the last 2 minutes of grilling.
Extra spice: Add cayenne or chipotle powder to the marinade for a bolder kick.
Citrus swap: Use lemon or orange juice for a different tangy twist.
Serve with dips: Pair with cilantro-lime crema, avocado sauce, or spicy yogurt dip.
1. What cut of chicken is best for chili lime skewers?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal because they stay juicy on the grill. Chicken breast works too but can dry out more easily if overcooked.
2. How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but 2–4 hours is best for bold flavor. Avoid marinating for more than 12 hours due to the acidity of the lime juice.
3. Can I make these skewers in the oven?
Yes. Bake at 425°F for about 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway. Broil for the last few minutes to get a slightly charred finish.
4. How spicy are these skewers?
They have a mild to medium heat depending on the chili powder used. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder or adding cayenne for extra heat.
5. What should I serve with chili lime chicken skewers?
Great sides include grilled veggies, cilantro lime rice, corn salad, or warm tortillas for a taco-style meal.
Ryan Conlon is a BBQ enthusiast and inspired chef on a journey through the smoky, savory world of outdoor cooking. Hailing from the heart of the Midwest, Ryan’s passion for grilling ignited during his early years, where family gatherings often revolved around the sizzle of the grill and the aroma of seasoned meats.
