Spicy Jalapeño Lime Chicken Skewers

$- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes - 2 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Zest and juice of 2 limes - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste The main ingredients pack a punch. The chicken breast provides a lean protein base. Fresh jalapeños add heat and flavor. Olive oil keeps the chicken juicy. Lime zest and juice bring a bright, tangy taste. Garlic gives a savory depth. Cumin and smoked paprika add warmth and earthiness. Salt and pepper balance the flavors. - Additional spices (like chili powder or cayenne) - Fresh cilantro for garnish - Lime wedges for serving You can customize the skewers with extra spices. Chili powder or cayenne can boost the heat. Fresh cilantro makes a vibrant garnish. Lime wedges enhance the fresh flavor when served. - Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes) - Grill or grill pan You will need skewers to hold the chicken. Choose wooden or metal based on your preference. If using wooden skewers, soaking them prevents burning on the grill. A grill or grill pan is essential for cooking. Both options give great flavor and grill marks. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a large mixing bowl. Combine the chopped jalapeños, olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until everything blends. This marinade adds flavor and spice. For effective marination, make sure to coat the chicken well. You can let it sit for at least 30 minutes. But for better flavor, aim for 2 hours if you can. The longer it sits, the better the taste. After mixing your marinade, it’s time to add the chicken. Cut your boneless chicken breast into 1-inch cubes. Place these into the bowl with the marinade. Toss the chicken pieces until each one is covered. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. Before grilling, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. This helps prevent burning. Now, thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers. Leave a little space between each piece for even cooking. Grill the skewers for about 10 to 12 minutes. Turn them occasionally until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Look for nice grill marks. Once cooked, take the skewers off the grill. Let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep them juicy and tender. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges if you like. Enjoy your tasty jalapeño lime chicken skewers! To make these jalapeño lime chicken skewers pop, adjust the spices to your taste. If you like heat, add more jalapeños or even some chili powder. For a milder flavor, use less jalapeño. Balancing heat and zest is key. The lime juice cuts through the spicy flavor and keeps it fresh. Marinating the chicken is very important. It helps the meat soak up all the flavors. I suggest marinating for at least 30 minutes, but 2 hours makes it even better. After grilling, always check the doneness. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures it is safe and juicy. Pair your skewers with light sides like a fresh salad or rice. Grilled veggies also make a great match. For dips, try a cool yogurt sauce or a tangy salsa. These will enhance the dish and make it even more enjoyable. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for More Flavor: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or even overnight if time permits. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh jalapeños and cilantro will enhance the flavor of your skewers compared to dried or processed alternatives. Check Grill Temperature: Ensure your grill is preheated properly to achieve those perfect grill marks and even cooking. Rest the Skewers: Let the skewers rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy bite. {{image_2}} You can switch from chicken to other proteins. Try using shrimp, pork, or beef. Each will bring a new taste. For shrimp, use the same marinade. Cook them until they turn pink. If you choose pork or beef, cut them into small pieces. They will soak up all the flavors. For plant-based options, tofu and tempeh work great. Press the tofu to remove water. Cut it into cubes and marinate just like chicken. You can also use seitan or jackfruit for a meat-like texture. Both absorb flavors well. Adding fruits or vegetables can change the taste. Try bell peppers or zucchini on the skewers. They add a nice crunch and flavor. You can also mix in pineapple chunks for a sweet touch. The sweet and spicy combo is always a hit. Switching up spices can create new flavors, too. Instead of cumin and smoked paprika, try chili powder or coriander. You could also add fresh herbs like basil or mint. Just remember, keep it balanced to enjoy each bite. You can cook these skewers in multiple ways. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 400°F. Place the skewers on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway. This method is great for winter days. Broiling is another option. Set your oven to broil and place the skewers on a broiler pan. Cook for about 10 minutes, flipping once. Broiling gives a nice char without a grill. It’s quick and easy. After you enjoy your spicy jalapeño lime chicken skewers, store the leftovers. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and flavorful. In the fridge, they last for about 3 to 4 days. If you want them longer, consider freezing. Yes, you can freeze the skewers! Make sure they cool completely before freezing. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for about 2 to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight. This keeps them safe and tasty. When it’s time to eat the leftovers, reheating is key. The best way is to use the grill or an oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the skewers on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 to 15 minutes. This method keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the chicken dry. Enjoy your tasty skewers again! You should marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This gives the chicken time to soak up the flavors. If you have more time, try marinating it for up to 2 hours. This longer time makes the chicken even more tasty. The acid from the lime juice helps to tenderize the meat. So, a good marination time makes each bite juicy and full of flavor. If you need a substitute for jalapeños, you have options. You can use serrano peppers for more heat. For a milder taste, try bell peppers or Anaheim peppers. Both give a nice crunch without the spice. If you want a sweet twist, consider using roasted red peppers. Each option will change the flavor a bit, but they all work well in this recipe. Yes, you can cook these skewers in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. This method gives you tasty, tender chicken without a grill. Just make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety. Enjoy the same great flavors, even without a grill! In this article, we explored making delicious chicken skewers with jalapeños. We covered key ingredients and the importance of a tasty marinade. I shared tips for grilling, ensuring tender meat, and serving suggestions. You can mix things up by trying different proteins and flavors. Remember, proper storage helps keep leftovers fresh. Now, you have everything you need to enjoy these tasty skewers. Cook, share, and enjoy your creation!$

Spicy Jalapeño Lime Chicken Skewers

Delicious and spicy chicken skewers marinated with jalapeños and lime.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 whole fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 whole limes, zest and juice
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, olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper.
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and additional lime wedges if desired.

Notes

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes prior to use.

Keyword chicken, grilling, skewers, spicy