Cilantro Lime Chicken Kebab

Name: Cilantro Lime Chicken Kebab
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (cubed); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes; 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 pinch paprika; 4 tablespoons olive oil

Published: August 13, 2025

by Alexia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Bursting with Flavor: The combination of cilantro and lime creates a refreshing taste that elevates the chicken.
Versatile Dish: Perfect for grilling season or indoor cooking; these kebabs are great for any setting.
Healthy Ingredients: Low in calories and full of protein, this recipe is both nutritious and satisfying.
Crowd-Pleaser: Serves up to 12 people, making it an excellent option for gatherings or parties.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Cilantro Lime Chicken Kebab effortlessly delicious, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Bamboo skewers
Grill or grill pan
Mixing bowl
Measuring spoons
Knife

Importance of Each Tool

Bamboo skewers: Soaking these prevents burning on the grill, ensuring your kebabs cook perfectly.
Grill or grill pan: Provides that classic charred flavor and beautiful grill marks on your chicken kebabs.
Mixing bowl: Helps combine all ingredients evenly for maximum flavor absorption.

Ingredients

Cilantro Lime Chicken Kebab – juicy chicken kebab marinated with cilantro, lime juice and garlic. The easiest and best chicken kebab recipe ever!

For the Chicken Marinade

1 lb (0.4kg) boneless and skinless chicken breast (cut into cubes)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
3 tablespoons cilantro leaves (chopped)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 pinch paprika
4 tablespoons olive oil

For Garnish

Lime wedges

How to Make Cilantro Lime Chicken Kebab

Step 1: Soak the Skewers

Soak the bamboo skewers in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This step helps prevent them from burning while grilling.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
1. Chicken cubes
2. Minced garlic
3. Fresh lime juice
4. Chili flakes
5. Chopped cilantro
6. Salt
7. Paprika

Stir well to ensure that each piece of chicken is coated with the marinade.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the mixture and stir again until all chicken pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or preferably for up to 2 hours.

Step 4: Thread the Chicken onto Skewers

After marination, thread three pieces of chicken onto each soaked bamboo skewer.

Step 5: Grill the Kebabs

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Grill the skewered chicken for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the remaining olive oil until cooked through and slightly charred.

Step 6: Serve

Once done, remove from the grill and serve immediately with fresh lime wedges on the side. Enjoy your delicious Cilantro Lime Chicken Kebabs!

How to Serve Cilantro Lime Chicken Kebab

Serving Cilantro Lime Chicken Kebab is all about highlighting its vibrant flavors. This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and garnishes that complement the zesty taste of lime and the freshness of cilantro. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your kebab experience.

With Fresh Vegetables

Grilled Veggies: Skewer bell peppers, zucchini, and onions alongside your kebabs for a colorful and healthy addition.
Garden Salad: A crisp garden salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers can provide a refreshing contrast to the grilled chicken.

With Dipping Sauces

Garlic Yogurt Sauce: A creamy garlic yogurt sauce adds richness and coolness to balance the heat from chili flakes.
Salsa Verde: This tangy sauce made from tomatillos and cilantro enhances the flavor profile of your kebabs.

On a Bed of Rice

Cilantro Lime Rice: Serve your kebabs on a bed of cilantro lime rice for a cohesive flavor experience.
Spanish Rice: Flavored with tomato and spices, this rice provides a hearty base for the kebabs.

How to Perfect Cilantro Lime Chicken Kebab

To ensure your Cilantro Lime Chicken Kebab turns out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips that focus on marination, grilling technique, and ingredient quality.

Marinate Longer: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight if possible.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cilantro, lime juice, and garlic will enhance the overall taste of your kebabs significantly.
Preheat Your Grill: Make sure the grill is hot before adding the skewers. This helps achieve that lovely char while locking in moisture.
Don’t Overcrowd Skewers: Leave space between chicken pieces on skewers to allow even cooking and better charring.
Baste While Grilling: Regularly baste with olive oil during grilling to keep the chicken juicy and add flavor.
Check Internal Temperature: Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

Best Side Dishes for Cilantro Lime Chicken Kebab

Pairing side dishes with Cilantro Lime Chicken Kebab can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options that complement its bold flavors perfectly.

Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a lemon vinaigrette provides a nutritious side.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with butter and sprinkled with lime juice is a classic summer favorite.
Roasted Potatoes: Seasoned roasted potatoes add heartiness and texture to your meal.
Pico de Gallo: A fresh tomato salsa adds a burst of flavor that works well with the kebabs.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings crunch and acidity that balances the richness of grilled chicken.
Hummus Platter: Serve hummus with pita bread and veggies for a Mediterranean twist that pairs beautifully with kebabs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cilantro Lime Chicken Kebab, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for.

Skipping the marinade: Not marinating the chicken long enough can lead to bland kebabs. Always let your chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes, but preferably 2 hours for maximum flavor.
Using dry herbs: Substituting dried cilantro instead of fresh can change the dish’s taste. Fresh ingredients provide a vibrant flavor that is essential for this recipe.
Overcrowding skewers: Placing too many pieces of chicken on each skewer can prevent even cooking. Ensure there’s space between pieces for proper heat circulation.
Ignoring grilling temperature: Grilling on low heat may result in dry kebabs. Make sure your grill is preheated and at medium-high heat for juicy, charred results.
Not soaking skewers: If you use bamboo skewers without soaking them, they may burn on the grill. Soaking them in cold water for at least 30 minutes will help prevent this.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store cooked kebabs in an airtight container.
They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Cilantro Lime Chicken Kebab

Allow the kebabs to cool completely before freezing.
Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they will last up to 3 months.

Reheating Cilantro Lime Chicken Kebab

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place kebabs on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place kebabs on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals until hot, checking regularly.
Stovetop: Sauté in a pan over medium heat with a splash of olive oil for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other meats for Cilantro Lime Chicken Kebab?

You can absolutely substitute chicken with shrimp, pork, or beef! Just adjust the cooking time based on your meat choice.

What should I serve with Cilantro Lime Chicken Kebab?

These kebabs pair well with rice, salad, or grilled vegetables. You can also add some tortillas for a fun wrap option!

How do I make these kebabs spicier?

To add more heat, increase the amount of chili flakes or add sliced jalapeños to the marinade.

Can I cook these kebabs indoors?

Yes! If you don’t have a grill, you can broil them in your oven or use a grill pan on the stovetop.

Final Thoughts

Cilantro Lime Chicken Kebab is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different proteins and sides, making it perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!

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