Ancho Chile Lime Chicken Kabobs Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because the zesty lime and smoky paprika marinade gives the chicken such incredible flavor that it feels like a mini fiesta in every bite. Plus, the vibrant colors of the grilled veggies make it not just delicious but Instagram-worthy—perfect for impressing friends at a summer cookout!

Ancho Chile Lime Chicken Kabobs bring the bright, bold flavors I love to the table. Tender cubes of chicken marinated in olive oil, lime juice, and a blend of ancho chile powder, cumin, and smoked paprika burst with zesty, smoky notes and pair beautifully with colorful bell peppers and red onion.

Skewered and grilled, these kabobs are an easy yet satisfying meal garnished with fresh cilantro, served with lime wedges, and bringing a flavorful spicy twist to the dinner table.

Ancho Chile Lime Chicken Kabobs Recipe Ingredients

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Protein-rich; low in fat; promotes muscle health.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats; rich in antioxidants; enhances flavor.
• Lime Juice: Tangy citrus flavor; high in vitamin C; aids digestion.
• Ancho Chile Powder: Mild heat; smoky sweetness; rich in vitamins A and C.
• Smoked Paprika: Deep smoky flavor; adds warmth; high in antioxidants.

Ancho Chile Lime Chicken Kabobs Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ancho chile powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

How to Make this Ancho Chile Lime Chicken Kabobs Recipe

1. In a large bowl, blend together the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, ancho chile powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well; this is your marinade.

2. Place the chicken cubes into the bowl with the marinade and mix to ensure they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and put it in the fridge for 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how strong you want the flavor to be.

3. As the chicken sits in its marinade, let wooden skewers soak in water for 20 minutes or longer to ensure they won’t catch fire during grilling.

4. Heat your grill to a medium-high temperature.

5. Skewered marinated chicken alternates with skewered red, yellow, and orange bell pepper, and with skewered red onion. This makes for a pretty presentation, of course; it also works beautifully because each of the three vegetables can take some direct heat without becoming mushy.

6. To prevent the kabobs from sticking, lightly oil the grill grates.

7. Set the skewers on the grill that has been preheated. Let them cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning them now and then, until the chicken has lost its pinkness and the veggies show a nice char.

8. Take the kabobs off the grill and allow them to be undisturbed for a few minutes.

9. Present the kabobs alongside lime wedges to provide your guests with an opportunity to add an extra burst of flavor.

10. Before you serve it, add a fresh touch by garnishing with fresh cilantro that you’ve chopped. Enjoy!

Ancho Chile Lime Chicken Kabobs Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large bowl
2. Measuring spoons
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Mixing spoon
6. Plastic wrap or lid
7. Wooden skewers
8. Grill
9. Tongs
10. Grill brush (for oiling grates)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?A: Yes, you can use chicken thighs, and they will add extra juiciness. Just make sure they are also cut into 1-inch cubes.
• Q: Is there a substitution for ancho chile powder?You might combine standard chili powder with a bit of cayenne for an alternative.
  
• Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?A: For half an hour at the least, but two to four hours is ideal, and in any case, more time is better when it comes to marinating the chicken.
• Q: Can these kabobs be cooked in the oven instead of grilling?I: Yes, the oven must be preheated to 400°F (200°C), and it must bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
• Q: What if I don’t have smoked paprika?A: While you can use regular paprika, the smoky flavor probably won’t stand out as much.
• Q: Can these be made ahead of time?A: You can indeed marinate the chicken and get the kabobs ready 24 hours in advance. Just store them in the fridge and they’re good to go when you are.
• Q: How should leftovers be stored?A: Keep uneaten food in a sealed container in the fridge for as long as 3 days after making it.

Ancho Chile Lime Chicken Kabobs Recipe Substitutions and Variations

2 tablespoons vegetable oil or avocado oil can be used instead of olive oil.
2 tablespoons lemon juice can be used in place of the lime juice to provide a different citrus flavor.
1 tablespoon of chipotle powder can substitute for ancho chile powder to get a kick that is smokier and spicier.
You can use 1 teaspoon ground coriander in place of ground cumin for a somewhat different aromatic profile.
Sweet paprika can replace smoked paprika, but the flavor will be milder and sweeter. If you prefer a taste that’s not as intense yet still holds the essence of what paprika should be, then consider using sweet paprika in place of smoked.

Pro Tips

1. Marinade Enhancement For an even deeper flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of honey or agave syrup to the marinade. This will help balance the acidity of the lime juice and create a slight caramelization on the grill.

2. Marination Time If you have the time, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator. This allows for the flavors to penetrate more thoroughly, resulting in a tastier dish.

3. Grill Temperature To avoid drying the chicken or burning the vegetables, maintain medium-high heat on the grill. This will cook the chicken through without losing moisture and achieve a nice char on the veggies.

4. Vegetable Preparation Consider par-cooking the bell peppers and onions by briefly blanching them for a couple of minutes before adding them to the skewers. This can help ensure they’re fully tender by the time the chicken is cooked through.

5. Serving Suggestion Complement the kabobs with a side of flavored rice or a fresh green salad. This rounds out the meal and provides a variety of textures and flavors. For added flair, consider a side dipping sauce, like a yogurt-based dip or a spicy aioli.