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If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dish, these Chipotle Lime Shrimp Kabobs are a must-try! Packed with smoky chipotle spice, zesty lime, and a touch of honey, they deliver the perfect balance of heat and citrus in every juicy, grilled bite.
Spicy, Zesty, & Perfect for Grilling Season!
These skewers are easy to prepare, cook in minutes, and taste amazing hot off the grill. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, in tacos, or over a fresh salad, they’re guaranteed to be a hit at your next cookout or weeknight dinner.
🔥 Ready to fire up the grill? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love These Shrimp Kabobs
Fast & Easy – Ready in under an hour (including marinating!).
Packed with Flavor – Smoky chipotle, tangy lime, and sweet honey create an irresistible taste.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve as appetizers, main dishes, or In tacos!
Healthy & Protein-Packed – A light yet satisfying meal with lean protein and healthy fats.
Great for Summer Grilling – Cook these on an outdoor grill or A stovetop grill pan!
Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒
For the Marinade:
🫒 ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil – Keeps the shrimp juicy.
🍋 ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes) – Adds zesty freshness.
🍋 1 tablespoon lime zest – Intensifies the citrus flavor.
🌶 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder – Brings smoky heat.
🌶 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika – Enhances the grilled flavor.
🧄 1 teaspoon garlic powder – A must-have for depth.
🧅 1 teaspoon onion powder – Adds a subtle sweetness.
🍯 1 tablespoon honey (preferably local) – Balances out the heat.
🧂 Salt & black pepper, to taste – Enhances all the flavors.
For the Shrimp & Garnish:
🍤 1 ¼ lbs. extra-large shrimp (16-20 count) – Peeled & deveined.
🍡 4 skewers (metal or wooden, soaked in water if using wooden).
🌿 Fresh parsley or cilantro – For garnish.
🍋 Lime slices – A final touch of brightness.
How to Make the Best Chipotle Lime Shrimp Kabobs
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade 🥣
1️⃣ In a small jar with a lid or a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, honey, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
Why This Marinade Works: The oil keeps the shrimp tender, while the lime and honey balance out the spicy chipotle kick.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp 🍤
1️⃣ Pour half of the marinade into a large glass or ceramic bowl. (Do not use metal; it can react with the lime juice!)
2️⃣ Add the shrimp and toss to coat evenly.
3️⃣ Cover and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes (but no longer to prevent the shrimp from becoming mushy).
4️⃣ Reserve the remaining marinade for serving.
Pro Tip: Marinate the shrimp for at least 15 minutes but no more than 30 minutes to avoid breaking down the texture.
Step 3: Skewer & Grill the Shrimp 🔥
1️⃣ Thread 5–6 shrimp onto each skewer, leaving a little space between each for even cooking.
2️⃣ Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, then reduce to medium heat before cooking.
3️⃣ Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
4️⃣ Place skewers on the grill and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, flipping once.
5️⃣ The shrimp are ready when they turn opaque and pink with light grill marks. Do not overcook—they cook fast!
Pro Tip: Grilling lime halves alongside the shrimp and squeezing the juice over the skewers enhances the smoky citrus flavor! 🍋🔥
Step 4: Serve & Garnish 🍽
1️⃣ Transfer shrimp skewers to a serving platter.
2️⃣ Drizzle lightly with the reserved marinade for extra flavor.
3️⃣ Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and lime slices.
4️⃣ Serve immediately and enjoy!
For extra heat, sprinkle with a pinch of extra chipotle chili powder before serving! 🌶🔥
How to Serve These Shrimp Kabobs
🌮 In Tacos – Serve in warm tortillas with slaw, avocado, and a drizzle of chipotle crema.
🥗 Over a Salad – Pair with a fresh garden salad, quinoa, or roasted veggies.
🍚 With Rice – Serve over cilantro-lime rice or Spanish rice for a full meal.
🥑 As an Appetizer – Serve with a spicy dipping sauce or mango salsa.
Check this out: Quick and Easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad for Busy Weeknights
Fun Variations to Try! 🎉
🌶 Extra Spicy – Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the marinade.
🍍 Sweet & Smoky – Add grilled pineapple chunks between shrimp on skewers.
🥑 Chipotle Lime Shrimp Bowls – Serve over coconut rice with avocado and black beans.
🍢 Surf & Turf Skewers – Alternate shrimp with steak or chicken chunks for a mixed protein dish.
How to Store & Reheat
Refrigerate: Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in a pan over medium heat for 2–3 minutes or enjoy cold in salads!
Freeze? Not recommended—shrimp can become rubbery when thawed and reheated.
Meal Prep Tip: Marinate the shrimp ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before grilling!
Recommended Kitchen Tools (Amazon Picks!) 🛒
Metal Skewers – Reusable & heat-resistant.
Grill up bold, smoky Chipotle Lime Shrimp Kabobs with ease using the Blue Donuts 12-Inch Stainless Steel Skewers! These flat, sturdy skewers keep your shrimp and veggies in place for even grilling on all sides. The ring-top handles make flipping easy, and they’re dishwasher-safe for effortless cleanup. Durable and reusable, they’re a grilling essential. Grab your set of 24 and fire up the BBQ! 🍤🔥✨
Citrus Zester – Perfect for zesting fresh lime.
Enhance the bold, smoky flavor of your Chipotle Lime Shrimp Kabobs with the Deiss PRO Lemon Zester & Cheese Grater! Effortlessly zest fresh lime for a bright, citrusy kick or grate garlic and nutmeg to deepen the marinade’s flavor. With its razor-sharp stainless steel blade and ergonomic handle, prepping ingredients is quick and easy.
Grill Pan – Great for indoor grilling.
Get bold, smoky grill marks on your Chipotle Lime Shrimp Kabobs with the Lodge Cast Iron Square Grill Pan! This pre-seasoned 10.5-inch pan delivers superior heat retention, ensuring an even sear on shrimp while keeping them juicy inside. Whether you’re cooking indoors or over an open flame, its ridged surface gives your kabobs that authentic grilled flavor.
Tongs – Essential for flipping shrimp without breaking them.
Effortlessly flip, toss, and serve your Chipotle Lime Shrimp Kabobs with the HOTEC Premium Stainless Steel Kitchen Tongs! This set of two (9″ & 12″) gives you full control when handling shrimp on the grill or in a cast iron pan. With heat-resistant silicone tips and a locking mechanism for easy storage, they’re perfect for both indoor and outdoor cooking.
These Chipotle Lime Shrimp Kabobs are the perfect mix of smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors, making them one of the best summer grilling recipes! Whether you’re enjoying them as an appetizer, in tacos, or over a fresh salad, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
So grab your skewers, fire up the grill, and enjoy the bold flavors of chipotle & lime! 🍤🔥
Now It’s Your Turn!
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Enjoy your bold, smoky, and zesty shrimp skewers! 🌶🍤🔥
Chipotle Lime Shrimp Kabobs
Equipment
- Grill (or grill pan)
- Mixing bowl
- Small jar with lid
- Skewers (metal or wooden)
- Tongs
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon honey (preferably local)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Shrimp:
- 1 ¼ lbs. extra-large shrimp (16-20 count), peeled and deveined
- 4 skewers (see note below)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley or cilantro
- Lime slices
Instructions
Preparation Notes
- Shrimp Size Guide: This recipe uses extra-large shrimp (16-20 count per pound). If using frozen shrimp, thaw, rinse, and pat dry before marinating.Skewer Choice: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
Prepare the Marinade
- In a small jar with a lid, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, honey, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
Marinate the Shrimp
- Pour half of the marinade into a large non-reactive bowl (glass or ceramic). Reserve the remaining marinade in the jar for serving.Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat. Marinate for 15-30 minutes, but no longer to prevent the shrimp from becoming mushy.
Skewer & Grill the Shrimp
- Thread 5-6 shrimp per skewer, leaving a little space between each for even cooking.Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, then reduce to medium heat before cooking.Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.Place skewers on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until shrimp are opaque and no longer translucent. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp become rubbery quickly.
Serve & Garnish
- Transfer the shrimp to a serving platter and drizzle lightly with the reserved marinade.Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and lime slices for a bright, fresh finish.Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Serving Suggestions
- Appetizer: Serve as skewers with dipping sauce.
- Main Dish: Enjoy over a fresh garden salad.
- Shrimp Tacos: Serve in warm tortillas with slaw and avocado.