Jalapeño Lime Chicken Skewers

$- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes - 2 jalapeño peppers, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat) - Zest and juice of 2 limes The main flavors come from the chicken, jalapeños, and lime. The chicken absorbs the marinade well. The jalapeños add heat, but you can skip the seeds for a milder taste. Lime zest brightens the dish, while lime juice adds a tangy kick. - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika The marinade is key to great flavor. Olive oil keeps the chicken moist and helps the spices stick. Garlic gives a rich taste. Cumin and smoked paprika add depth, creating a savory base. - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, for garnish - Wooden or metal skewers Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and a fresh taste at the end. Choose wooden skewers for a rustic look or metal for easy reuse. Soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning while grilling. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to prepare the marinade. In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped jalapeños, lime zest, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This mix creates a flavorful base for your chicken. Next, add the cubed chicken to the bowl. Toss the chicken well until every piece is coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to soak into the chicken. Now, let’s prepare the skewers. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 15 minutes. This step helps prevent burning while grilling. When the skewers are ready, it's time to thread the chicken. Take a skewer and slide on a piece of marinated chicken. Leave a little space between each piece. This space helps them cook evenly. Continue until all chicken pieces are on the skewers. Next, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates. This action stops the skewers from sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes. Turn them occasionally to get nice grill marks. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Enjoy the tasty aroma filling your kitchen! For skewers, boneless, skinless chicken breast works best. Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes. This size helps it cook evenly. You can also use thighs for a juicier bite. For even cooking, try to keep the pieces the same size. Do you want more heat? Leave the seeds in the jalapeños. If you prefer less spice, remove the seeds and ribs. You can also swap jalapeños for bell peppers for a sweet flavor. To boost flavor, consider adding spices like chili powder or oregano. These spices add depth to the dish. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to soak into the meat. Pro Tips Marination Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight if possible. This allows the spices and lime to penetrate deeply into the meat. Jalapeño Heat Level: If you prefer milder skewers, make sure to remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños, as they contain most of the heat. Grill Temperature: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before adding the skewers. This helps to achieve a nice sear and prevents sticking. Resting Time: After grilling, let the skewers rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful. {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavor with different marinades. A citrus herb marinade works well. Use orange or lemon juice for a fresh twist. Combine this juice with herbs like parsley and thyme. Another fun option is teriyaki or BBQ sauce. Teriyaki gives a sweet and tangy taste. BBQ sauce adds a smoky flavor. Both pair nicely with chicken and jalapeños. Pair these skewers with tasty side dishes. Grilled veggies add color and crunch. A fresh salad with lime dressing is also great. You can also serve rice or quinoa for a filling meal. When it comes to drinks, opt for light beverages. A cold beer complements the spicy flavors. A refreshing limeade or iced tea also works well. These drinks balance the spice and enhance the meal. You can cook these skewers in various ways. Grilling is the most common method. It gives a nice char and smoky flavor. If you don't have a grill, oven-baking is a good alternative. Just preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You can also use a cast-iron skillet. Heat the skillet on medium-high. Add a little oil, then cook the skewers for 10-12 minutes. This method works well if the weather is bad. Each method brings out different flavors, so try them all! When you have leftover Jalapeño Lime Chicken Skewers, it's best to refrigerate them quickly. Place the skewers in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and reduces the risk of spoilage. They will stay good for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you want to keep the skewers longer, freezing is a great option. First, let the cooked skewers cool completely. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. This helps keep them juicy and flavorful. If you have leftover marinade, you can store it too! The marinade will last about a week in the fridge if kept in a sealed container. Just remember, never reuse marinade that has touched raw chicken without cooking it first. For safety, always make sure to store it in a clean container. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This time lets the chicken soak up the flavors. For even better results, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours. Just remember not to go too long, as the lime juice can make the chicken tough. Yes, you can use other meats for these skewers! Chicken works well, but you can try: - Beef: Cut it into small cubes. - Pork: Tenderloin is a great choice. - Shrimp: Just peel and devein before marinating. Each meat will take on the jalapeño and lime flavors nicely. You can pair these skewers with many sides. Here are some tasty ideas: - Grilled veggies: Bell peppers and zucchini are great. - Rice: A side of cilantro lime rice adds freshness. - Salad: A light green salad balances the heat. These sides will create a complete and colorful meal. In this post, we covered how to make Jalapeño Lime Chicken Skewers. We discussed the main ingredients, how to marinate and cook, plus tips for flavor and heat control. Remember to choose the right chicken and modify heat as needed. You can also explore variations, storage tips, and even FAQs for extra help. With these steps, you can enjoy tasty skewers that impress. Use this guide to make your next meal fun and delicious. Enjoy the grilling experience!$

Jalapeño Lime Chicken Skewers

Deliciously marinated chicken skewers with a spicy jalapeño and zesty lime flavor.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 10

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 pieces jalapeño peppers, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
2 pieces limes, zest and juice
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh cilantro
as needed wooden or metal skewers

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped jalapeños, lime zest, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a marinade.
Add the cubed chicken to the bowl and toss until evenly coated in the marinade. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill 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. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Serve with lime wedges and a sprinkle of cilantro for a fresh look.

Keyword chicken, grilling, jalapeño, lime, skewers