Grilled Chicken Skewers with Corn, Panela Cheese, and Ancho-Lime-Oregano Marinade

Name: Grilled Chicken Skewers with Corn, Panela Cheese, and Ancho-Lime-Oregano Marinade
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 46 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Fusión mexicana a la parrilla
Ingredients: 21 oz skinless chicken breast, cut into 1.25-inch cubes; 2 ears fresh corn on the cob; 7 oz panela cheese; 3 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp fresh lime juice; 1.5 tbsp ancho chile powder; 3 cloves garlic; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro; 1 tsp lime zest

Original grilled skewers featuring chicken cubes marinated in a smoky ancho chile, lime, garlic, and oregano mixture, threaded with corn rounds and golden panela cheese. The combination delivers juicy texture, bright citrus notes, and a lightly toasted finish from the grilled cheese.

30 minPrep

16 minCook

46 minTotal

4Servings

Gluten-FreeHigh Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings

600 g skinless chicken breast, cut into 1.25-inch cubes (for ensartar)
2 pieces fresh corn on the cob (cut en ruedas gruesas)
200 g panela cheese (cut diced firmes)
45 ml olive oil (divided)
45 ml fresh lime juice (freshly squeezed)
12 g ancho chile powder (for the adobo)
9 g garlic (finely chopped or grated)
2 g dried oregano (preferentemente mexicano)
1 g ground cumin (for profundidad)
15 ml honey (equilibra the chile and the lima)
6 g salt (or to taste)
1 g black pepper (freshly ground)
16 g fresh cilantro (chopped, for terminar)
2 g lime zest (for finalizar)

Nutrition facts

per serving

421 kcal

Calories

40 g

Protein

17 g

Carbs

21 g

Fat

2.4 g

Fiber

14.6 g

Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

Dairy

Instructions

1
1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes so they do not burn on the grill.
2
2. In a large bowl, combine 30 ml (2 tbsp) olive oil, lime juice, ancho chile powder, garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, honey, salt, and black pepper until a uniform marinade forms.
3
3. Add the chicken breast cubes to the bowl and toss well to coat completely with the marinade. Let stand for 15 minutes in a cool place or refrigerated.
4
4. Cut each ear of fresh corn into 4 thick rounds and lightly brush the rounds with 7 ml (1/2 tbsp) olive oil so they do not stick.
5
5. Cut the panela cheese into firm cubes and toss them with the remaining 8 ml (1/2 tbsp) olive oil to protect the surface during cooking.
6
6. Build the skewers by threading marinated chicken, corn rounds, and panela cheese cubes alternately until you have 8 skewers. Distribute the chicken, corn, and cheese evenly.
7
7. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 425 °F / 220 °C. Clean and lightly oil the grates.
8
8. Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for 14 to 16 minutes at 425 °F / 220 °C, turning every 3 to 4 minutes to brown all sides. Cook until the chicken is fully done and reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F / 74 °C, the corn is tender, and the panela cheese shows golden grill marks.
9
9. Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for 2 minutes. Sprinkle the fresh cilantro and lime zest over the top just before serving.
10
10. Serve the skewers hot, making sure each portion includes chicken, corn, panela cheese, and any flavorful marinade clinging to the ingredients.

Chef tips

To keep the panela cheese from breaking, use thick cubes and handle the skewers with wide tongs. If your grill runs very hot, create a medium-heat zone to finish cooking without burning the marinade.

Substitutions

You can substitute halloumi for the panela cheese if you want a firmer texture; the result will be delicious but saltier. Chicken breast can be replaced with boneless thigh for a juicier finish. If you do not have limes, use the same amount of fresh lemon juice.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

Illustrative image
TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
View on Amazon
Illustrative image
Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife
Chopping, slicing and cutting strips
- The knife I use most when cooking
- Chops, slices and cuts into strips
- Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
View on Amazon
Illustrative image
Teakhaus Teak Cutting Board
Stable base for chopping
- Stable surface for chopping
- Gentle on your knife edge
- Hand-wash and let it dry
View on Amazon