Chipotle Lime Chicken Skewers

$- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes - 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced - 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon cumin powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces - 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces The main ingredients give the skewers their bold taste. Chicken breast is lean and tender. Chipotle peppers add a nice smoky and spicy flavor. Fresh lime juice brightens everything up with a zesty kick. Next, we have the marinade components. Olive oil keeps the chicken moist and helps the spices stick. Garlic adds depth and aroma. Cumin powder gives a warm, earthy flavor. For added flavor, smoked paprika brings a hint of sweetness and color. Salt and pepper balance the dish. Bell peppers add crunch and a pop of color to the skewers. They also absorb some of the marinade's flavor, making every bite delicious. This combination creates a mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress. You can enjoy these skewers at a barbecue or a cozy dinner at home. {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the marinade, you need to combine some key ingredients in a bowl. Start with: - 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced - 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon cumin powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Mix these ingredients well. This blend gives the chicken its bold flavor. For more flavor, let the chicken sit in the marinade longer. After mixing the marinade, add 1.5 lbs of chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss the chicken to coat it well. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For best results, let it marinate for 2 hours. This allows the chicken to soak up all the tasty flavors. If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This helps to stop them from burning on the grill. While the skewers soak, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Next, thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers. Alternate the chicken cubes with pieces of red and green bell peppers. When the grill is ready, place the skewers on it. Cook for 10-12 minutes. Turn them often for even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken. It should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe to eat. Once cooked, take the skewers off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Resting helps keep the chicken juicy. Enjoy your Chipotle Lime Chicken Skewers! Grilling gives chicken skewers a great flavor. You can also bake them if needed. Grilling adds smoky notes and nice char marks. To get the best grill marks, preheat your grill well. Place the skewers on the grill without moving them for a few minutes. This helps create those lovely lines. Then, turn them carefully for even cooking. Adding herbs can boost the flavor of your skewers. Fresh cilantro, parsley, or oregano work well. You can also try different sauces for a twist. Barbecue sauce or teriyaki sauce can change the taste. Just mix them in with the marinade. This gives your skewers a unique flair. Garnishing makes your dish pop. Lime wedges and fresh cilantro add color and zest. Serve your skewers on a wooden platter. You can also offer a small bowl of dipping sauce. Try ranch or a spicy aioli for extra flavor. Pair these skewers with rice, corn salad, or grilled veggies. This makes a complete meal that everyone will love. Pro Tips Marinate for Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours, or even overnight, to enhance the flavor and tenderness. Vegetable Variety: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or onion for extra color and taste on the skewers. Grill Temperature: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat for the best sear and to prevent the chicken from drying out. Resting Time: Let the skewers rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute for a juicy bite. {{image_2}} You can switch up the chicken in this recipe. Shrimp works great! Just use peeled shrimp, and remember to adjust cooking times. Cook shrimp for about 5-7 minutes until they turn pink. If you prefer tofu, use firm tofu cut into cubes. Tofu needs about 8-10 minutes on the grill. Want more heat? Try different peppers! You can use jalapeños or serranos for a spicy kick. For a tangy twist, add some lime zest to the marinade. This adds a bright flavor that matches the lime juice. If you want a meat-free dish, make vegetable-only skewers. Use bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and onions. Marinate them in the same chipotle lime mix for flavor. You can also try different marinades for veggies, like a balsamic glaze or a simple olive oil and herb mix. This will give a fresh taste and keep things exciting! To store leftover Chipotle Lime Chicken Skewers, place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and prevents odors from other foods. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to let them cool down before sealing them up. If you want to save skewers for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each skewer in plastic wrap or foil to avoid freezer burn. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat, grill them for a few minutes or warm them in the oven at low heat. This helps keep their flavor and texture. You can prep these skewers in advance for busy days. Marinate the chicken and cut the veggies a day before. Keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. They fit well into meal plans, too. Serve them with rice, salad, or wraps for easy lunches or dinners. Enjoy the flavors of your hard work throughout the week! To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures the meat is safe to eat. Look for these signs of doneness: - The chicken should be opaque and no longer pink inside. - The juices should run clear when you cut into a piece. Yes, you can use store-bought marinade. It's a quick option for busy cooks. Pros: - Saves time. - Often has good flavor. Cons: - May contain preservatives. - Less control over flavor. If you choose store-bought, look for one that has lime and chipotle flavors. This will pair well with the chicken. Here are some great side dish suggestions: - Grilled corn on the cob for sweetness. - A fresh salad with avocado and lime dressing. - Cilantro lime rice to match the chicken's flavor. For beverages, consider these options: - A cold lager or pale ale. - A light white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc. - Sparkling water with lime for a refreshing non-alcoholic choice. This blog post covered everything you need to make Chipotle Lime Chicken Skewers. You learned about key ingredients, like chicken, chipotle peppers, and lime juice. We detailed marinade steps and grilling tips to maximize flavor. You also discovered options for protein and veggie variations, plus storage advice. As you try this recipe, remember to adjust flavors to your taste. Enjoy sharing these skewers at your next meal!$

Chipotle Lime Chicken Skewers

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

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 12

Total Time 1

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt and pepper
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
Skewers (wooden or metal)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced chipotle peppers, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to ensure they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours for maximum flavor absorption.
While the chicken is marinating, soak wooden skewers in water (if using) for about 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of red and green bell peppers.
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve the skewers on a wooden platter garnished with lime wedges and fresh cilantro for a pop of color. Add a small bowl of your favorite dipping sauce on the side for extra flavor!

Keyword chicken, chipotle, grill, lime, skewers