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- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/4 cup fresh lime juice - 1/4 cup olive oil - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro - 3 garlic cloves - Spices: ground cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper - Skewers To make cilantro lime chicken kebabs, gather these fresh and tasty ingredients. The chicken breasts are the star, providing a tender base. The lime juice adds a bright, zesty flavor. Olive oil helps the spices stick and keeps the chicken juicy. Fresh cilantro brings a burst of herbal goodness. You will need three minced garlic cloves for depth. The spices are key too. Ground cumin and chili powder add warmth and a hint of spice. Salt and black pepper enhance the taste. Finally, you’ll need skewers. Wooden skewers need soaking in water to avoid burning. Metal skewers are great too and don’t require soaking. This simple list of ingredients makes flavorful and juicy kebabs. Ready to cook? Let’s get started! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, I take a large bowl and mix the marinade. I combine 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1/4 cup of finely chopped cilantro, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Then, I add 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. I stir it all together until the mixture is smooth. Next, I add the chicken, which I have cut into 1-inch cubes. I make sure each piece is coated well in the marinade. I cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If I have time, I let it marinate for up to 2 hours for more flavor. If I’m using wooden skewers, I soak them in water for 30 minutes. This step helps prevent them from burning on the grill. While the skewers soak, I preheat my grill to medium-high heat. This temperature is perfect for getting those beautiful grill marks on the chicken. Now it’s time to assemble the kebabs. I carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers. I leave a little space between each piece. This space helps the chicken cook evenly. Once the skewers are ready, I place them on the preheated grill. I cook the kebabs for about 10 to 12 minutes. I turn them occasionally to ensure all sides are cooked well. I check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). When they are done, I remove them from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This resting time helps keep the chicken juicy and flavorful. The ideal internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (74°C). This ensures your chicken is safe to eat and juicy. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. To ensure even grilling, soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes in water. This helps prevent burning. When grilling, leave space between each chicken piece on the skewer. This allows hot air to circulate around the chicken. Turn the skewers every few minutes for even cooking. You can try adding bell peppers or onions to your kebabs. These add color and extra flavor. For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or red pepper flakes. For different marinades, consider using yogurt or vinegar as a base. These can make the chicken even more tender. You can also add herbs like oregano or thyme for a twist. Don't be afraid to experiment! Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible, to enhance the flavors and tenderness of the meat. Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning on the grill. Even Cooking: Leave a little space between each piece of chicken on the skewers to ensure even cooking and that each piece gets those beautiful grill marks. Rest Before Serving: Let the kebabs rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in juicier chicken. {{image_2}} You can make your kebabs even better by adding vegetables. Pairing chicken with colorful veggies makes the dish fun and tasty. Try using bell peppers, zucchini, and onions. - Bell Peppers: They add sweetness and crunch. Use red, yellow, or green for a rainbow effect. - Zucchini: This veggie soaks up flavor well. Cut it into thick rounds for grilling. - Onions: They add a nice sharpness. Use red or white onions for the best taste. Simply cut the veggies into pieces similar in size to the chicken. Thread them onto the skewers with the chicken. This way, you get a mix of flavors and textures. If you want to switch things up, shrimp or tofu work great too. Both can soak in the marinade just like chicken. - Shrimp: Use peeled and deveined shrimp. Marinate for 15-30 minutes. Shrimp cooks fast, so keep an eye on them on the grill. They only need about 3-5 minutes per side. - Tofu: Use firm or extra-firm tofu. Cut it into cubes and press it to remove excess water. Marinate for 30-60 minutes. Tofu will soak up all the tasty flavors. These choices give you a fresh way to enjoy cilantro lime kebabs. Mix and match to find your favorite combination! To keep your cilantro lime chicken kebabs fresh, cool them quickly. Place them on a plate and let them sit for about 30 minutes. After they cool, transfer them to an airtight container. This helps lock in the flavor. You can store the kebabs in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. They’ll stay tasty in the freezer for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer bag. When reheating your chicken kebabs, you want to keep them juicy and flavorful. The best method is to use your oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the kebabs on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, checking to ensure they don’t dry out. You can also use a microwave, but this method may make them less juicy. If you choose the microwave, heat them in short bursts of 30 seconds. Always check the temperature to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. Enjoy your delicious leftovers just as much as the first time! Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to soak in. For the best taste, aim for 2 hours. The longer you marinate, the more intense the flavor. Yes, you can prepare the kebabs in advance. Marinate the chicken and assemble the skewers. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just remember to keep them covered. This way, you save time when you're ready to grill. These kebabs pair well with rice, salad, or grilled veggies. Consider serving with a fresh corn salad or a zesty coleslaw. You can also add a side of warm tortillas for a fun twist. Enjoy mixing and matching to suit your taste! To sum up, we explored how to make delicious cilantro lime chicken kebabs. You learned about the key ingredients, marination, and grilling steps. We also shared tips for perfect kebabs, like adding veggies or using alternative proteins. Proper storage and reheating techniques ensure tasty leftovers. Make these kebabs a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the fresh flavors and impress friends at your next gathering!

Cilantro Lime Chicken Kebabs

Delicious and zesty chicken kebabs marinated in lime and cilantro.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 0.25 cup fresh lime juice (about 2-3 limes)
  • 0.25 cup olive oil
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 set skewers (wooden or metal)

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the lime juice, olive oil, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
  • Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, making sure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
  • If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  • Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
  • Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  • Once cooked, remove the kebabs from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve warm with lime wedges and extra cilantro for garnish.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours.
Keyword chicken, cilantro, grilling, kebabs, lime