This Chicken Skewers Recipe is one for the books! Juicy, charred chicken is coated in a flavorful seasoning blend and served with the best creamy green sauce.
Author’s Notes
Skewers Make Everything Better!
There’s just something about food cooked in a foil packet or served on a skewer that makes it more fun. At least, I sure think so! Plus, I’ve found that my kids are much more excited to try something when they get their own little packet or skewer of food. As a result, meals like this are always a big hit at our house.
Naturally, this chicken skewers recipe was no exception. In fact, my kids were obsessed with eating “chicken on a stick,” especially when they had their own dipping sauce on the side. Meanwhile, the chicken is simply seasoned, juicy, and delicious. However, the seasonings are intentionally kept simple so the sauce can really shine.
And wow, does this sauce shine! More importantly, it has quickly become one of my all-time favorites. So, you’ve got to give it a try. Finally, I can’t wait to hear what you think!
Ingredients In This Chicken Skewers Recipe
| Ingredient | Let’s Chat About It |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Chicken thighs stay extra juicy, but chicken breasts are also delicious. Cut the pieces as evenly as possible so they cook at the same rate. |
| Lime, Honey & Olive Oil | Fresh lime juice makes a big difference here. Don’t skip the zest either. It adds lots of fresh citrus flavor! |
| Seasonings | Smoked paprika gives the chicken its beautiful color and subtle smoky flavor. |
| Green Sauce | Remove the jalapeño ribs and seeds for a milder sauce for this chicken skewers recipe. For more heat, leave some in! |
| Fresh Cilantro & Lime | The quick herb topping at the end is totally worth the extra minute! Brush it over the hot chicken right off the grill for the freshest flavor. |
Chelsea’s Notes
Top Tips for the Best Chicken Skewers
- Don’t pack the skewers too tightly. Leave a tiny bit of space between each piece of chicken so the heat can circulate and the edges get nicely charred.
- Check the temperature: Cook chicken to 165°F to keep it tender and juicy.
- Let it rest: Let this chicken skewers recipe rest for 5 minutes before serving so the juices can redistribute.
- Prep the grill: Clean and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken skewers recipe is delicious on its own or added to just about anything! Here are a few ideas:
- Over rice: Serve over cilantro-lime rice or coconut rice.
- In a bowl: Add to rice or quinoa with avocado, tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, and green sauce.
- In wraps or pitas: Tuck the chicken into warm flatbread with lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and sauce.
- With a salad: Pair with chopped salad, cucumber salad, corn salad, or avocado salad.
- In tacos: Chop the chicken and add it to tortillas with cabbage, avocado, lime, and green sauce.
More Favorite Chicken Dinners
Chicken Skewers Recipe
This Chicken Skewers Recipe delivers big in the flavor department! Juicy, charred chicken is perfectly seasoned and served with an irresistible creamy green sauce.
Equipment
- Metal or wooden skewers (soak wooden skewers in water first)
- Grill or large pan (see notes for stovetop cooking)
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1-1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut to 1-inch pieces
- 1 large lime 1/4 tsp lime zest; 1 tbsp juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper (I use 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper)
Herb Topping
- 1 tablespoon finely packed chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
Aji Verde
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup mayo Best Foods/Hellmann’s
- 1 cup cilantro leaves and tender stems
- 1-1/2 tablespoons finely diced jalapeño ribs and seeds removed
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 large lime 1/4 tsp zest; 2 tbsp juice
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken very dry with paper towels, then cut it into 1-inch pieces.
- Marinate: In a large bowl, whisk together the lime juice, lime zest, honey, garlic powder, olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and toss until every piece is evenly coated.
- Assemble the skewers: Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers. Cover and refrigerate for 1–24 hours. The skewers can also be cooked immediately, although marinating gives them more flavor.
- Preheat the grill: Lightly oil the grill grates or flat-top griddle. Heat to medium or medium-high, depending on the strength of your grill.
- Cook: Grill for 10–12 minutes, rotating every 3–4 minutes, until lightly charred and the chicken reaches 160°F. (Carryover heat will bring it to 165°F). Adjust the heat as needed to prevent the spices from burning.
- Add the herb topping: Whisk together the cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, and a small pinch of salt. Brush the mixture over the chicken immediately after removing it from the grill.
- Make the sauce: Add the mayo, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt to a small food processor or mini blender. Blend until smooth. Taste and add more salt or lime juice as needed. (Keep in mind that the sauce develops more heat as it sits.)
- Serve: Serve the chicken skewers warm with the sauce drizzled over the top or on the side for dipping. Enjoy!
Final step! Please let us know how it was by leaving a review.
Recipe Notes
Stovetop Instructions: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add enough oil to lightly coat the bottom. Cook the skewers in batches for about 3 minutes per side, adjusting the heat as needed so the spices do not burn. Transfer the cooked skewers to a plate and loosely cover with foil to keep warm. Carefully wipe any burnt spices from the skillet with a paper towel, add more oil as needed, and continue cooking the remaining skewers.
Storage: These chicken skewers are best hot off the grill! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet, or toss the chicken with piping-hot rice or quinoa to warm it through.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 544kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 15g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 137mg | Sodium: 862mg | Potassium: 660mg | Fiber: 0.6g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 700IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
