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- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice For these chili lime grilled chicken skewers, chicken breast is the star. I prefer it for its lean quality and ability to soak up flavors. The olive oil adds richness and helps keep the chicken moist. Fresh lime juice gives the dish a bright and zesty kick. - 2 teaspoons chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon paprika The chili powder brings heat and depth. Cumin adds a warm, earthy note. Paprika brings a mild sweetness and a vibrant color that enhances the dish visually. - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 1 teaspoon honey - 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks - 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks Minced garlic adds a strong, aromatic flavor. A touch of honey balances the spice with sweetness. The red and green bell peppers not only add color but also a crunchy texture that pairs well with tender chicken. To create the marinade, I mix several simple ingredients in a medium bowl. I use: - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice - 2 teaspoons chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon paprika - 2 minced garlic cloves - 1 teaspoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste I blend these well. This step is key. The flavors meld together, making the chicken tasty and bright. Next, I marinate the chicken. I cut 1.5 lbs of chicken breast into 1-inch cubes. I add these cubes to the marinade. I make sure each piece is coated well. Then, I cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time helps the chicken absorb the flavors. Keeping the chicken cool is important for safety. After marinating, I prepare the skewers. I soak wooden skewers in water for about 15 minutes. This helps prevent burning. If I use metal skewers, I skip this step. I then thread the chicken cubes onto the skewers. I alternate with colorful chunks of red and green bell peppers. This adds flavor and makes the skewers look great. Before grilling, I preheat the grill to medium-high heat. I lightly oil the grates to stop the chicken from sticking. When I place the skewers on the grill, I cook them for about 10-12 minutes. I turn them occasionally to create nice grill marks. I use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken reached 165°F (75°C). This ensures safe eating. Once cooked, I remove the skewers from the grill. I let them rest for a few minutes. This step helps lock in the juices and keeps the chicken moist. To keep food from sticking, coat the grill grates with oil. Use a paper towel soaked in oil and tongs to apply it. This will help create a nice sear on your chicken. If flare-ups happen, move the skewers to a cooler part of the grill. This way, you won’t burn your chicken. Each grill type needs special heat settings. Gas grills usually heat up fast. Keep the temperature around medium-high. For charcoal grills, let the coals burn down to medium heat. Adjust your cooking time based on the grill you use. For the best taste, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it sit longer. This allows the spices to soak in deeply. You can even marinate overnight for a bolder flavor. When choosing spices, fresh herbs and spices often pack more flavor than dried ones. Fresh lime juice brightens the dish. If you use dried spices, try to find high-quality ones for the best results. Serve the skewers on a large platter. Add fresh lime wedges and chopped cilantro for a colorful look. This brightens the dish and adds flavor. Pair the skewers with guacamole or a light salad. This adds freshness and balances the dish. Don’t forget to enjoy the vibrant colors and aromas as you serve! {{image_2}} You can swap chicken for other proteins in this recipe. If you want to use beef, choose tender cuts like sirloin or flank steak. Cut them into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. For pork, use tenderloin or boneless chops. They also work well on skewers. If you're looking for vegetarian options, try tofu or tempeh. Both absorb flavors well. Make sure to press tofu to remove excess moisture. You can also use hearty veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for a filling meal. You can adjust the spice level based on your taste. If you like heat, add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder flavor, reduce the chili powder. Adding fresh herbs can elevate your skewers. Cilantro or parsley can add a fresh touch. You might also try different seasonings like oregano or thyme. Experimenting with flavors keeps the dish exciting! Pair your skewers with a light salad. A simple green salad with lime vinaigrette works great. You can also make a corn salad for a sweet crunch. For dipping sauces, consider guacamole or a yogurt-based dip. A zesty chimichurri sauce can also add a nice kick. These sides will enhance the meal and offer a variety of tastes. To store leftover chili lime grilled chicken skewers, let them cool first. Place the skewers in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh and tasty. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. For best results, eat them sooner rather than later. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them safely. The best way is to use an oven or a stovetop. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes. If using a stovetop, heat a pan over medium heat. Add the skewers and cook for about 5 minutes, turning them until hot. Always check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure food safety. Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken skewers! Wrap each skewer tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, move the bag to the fridge for several hours or overnight. After thawing, reheat as mentioned above. This keeps your skewers flavorful and juicy. Soak wooden skewers for about 15 minutes. This step helps prevent them from burning on the grill. While soaking, fill a bowl with water and place the skewers inside. Make sure they are fully submerged. If you skip this, the skewers may catch fire while grilling. This simple step can save your meal! Yes, you can use other vegetables! If you want to switch things up, try zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes. These veggies also grill well and add great flavor. Just cut them into similar sizes as the chicken pieces. This way, everything cooks evenly. Feel free to explore your favorites! The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check this. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding the skewers. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. Checking the temperature is key for juicy and tasty chicken skewers! In this post, we covered how to make delicious grilled chicken skewers. We explored the main ingredients, spices, and the steps to prepare them. I shared tips on grilling and serving to enhance flavor and presentation. Remember, marinating adds depth, and you can switch up proteins and veggies. Follow these methods, and you'll impress everyone at your next meal. Enjoy the grilling adventure!

Chili Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers

Savor the flavors of summer with these delicious Chili Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers! Perfectly marinated chicken and colorful bell peppers come together for a meal that's bursting with zest and appeal. In just over 50 minutes, you can create an irresistible dish that's great for any gathering. Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your friends and family at your next barbecue!
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Ingredients
  

1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon honey

Salt and pepper to taste

1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks

1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks

Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions
 

In a medium bowl, mix the olive oil, fresh lime juice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.

    Add the cubed chicken breast to the marinade, making sure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

      While the chicken marinates, soak wooden skewers in water for about 15 minutes to prevent burning on the grill (if using metal skewers, this step is not needed).

        After marinating, thread the chicken cubes onto the skewers, alternating with chunks of red and green bell peppers for added color and flavor.

          Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

            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.

              Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

                Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in the juices.

                  Prep Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 52 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken skewers on a large platter with fresh lime wedges and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a bright, festive look. Pair with a side of guacamole or a light salad to complement the dish.