Sweet & Zesty Honey Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe

Sizzling summer evenings call for a vibrant honey lime grilled chicken skewers recipe that dances with tangy and sweet flavors.

Tender chicken pieces marinated in a zesty blend of honey and lime create an irresistible combination that instantly brightens any meal.

Fresh herbs and a quick marinade turn ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.

Each skewer bursts with bright, tropical notes that complement the smoky char from the grill.

The marinade infuses the meat with layers of complex, mouthwatering taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Juicy and succulent, these skewers promise a delightful dining experience that transforms a simple weeknight dinner into a celebration of flavor.

Fire up the grill and get ready to savor every delicious bite.

Grill Instructions for Honey Lime Chicken Skewers

• Marinade Magic

Blend zesty ingredients in a bowl until smooth, creating a tangy liquid that will transform plain chicken into a flavor explosion. The combination of sweet honey and bright lime juice sets the stage for an unforgettable meal.

• Chicken Preparation

Immerse chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring every morsel gets coated with the delicious mixture. Let the flavors mingle and dance for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours in the refrigerator for maximum taste absorption.

• Grill Setup

Prepare the grill by cleaning the grates and applying a light oil coating. Wooden skewers should take a quick water bath to prevent burning during cooking. Heat the grill to a medium-high temperature that promises perfect caramelization.

• Skewer and Cook

Thread marinated chicken onto skewers with care, creating beautiful kabobs ready for grilling. Cook each skewer, rotating occasionally, until they develop a golden-brown exterior and reach a safe internal temperature.

• Serving Finale

Let the grilled skewers rest briefly after cooking, allowing juices to redistribute. Plate with a drizzle of reserved marinade, fresh herbs, and lime wedges for a stunning presentation that will impress everyone at the table.

Flavor Tips for Honey Lime Chicken Skewers

• Experiment with different honey varieties like wildflower or clover to subtly change the chicken's flavor profile and sweetness level.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to the marinade for those who enjoy a gentle heat kick that complements the honey's sweetness.
• Thread colorful bell peppers, red onions, or zucchini chunks between chicken pieces to create a complete and visually appealing skewer meal.
• When outdoor grilling isn't possible, these skewers work wonderfully in a preheated 425°F oven or on a stovetop grill pan, maintaining similar caramelized exterior and juicy interior.
• Slice remaining grilled chicken and toss into salads, wrap in tortillas, or chop for quick grain bowls – the honey lime marinade ensures incredible flavor in every repurposed bite.

How to Serve Chicken Skewers with Honey Lime Glaze

• Zesty Dinner Companion: Pair these honey lime chicken skewers with fluffy cilantro-lime rice that soaks up the delicious marinade flavors perfectly.
• Fresh Summer Salad Splash: Create a crisp mixed green salad with cucumber, avocado, and a light citrus vinaigrette to complement the grilled chicken's tangy profile.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Plate: Serve alongside warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a simple Greek salad for a Mediterranean-style meal that elevates the skewers' vibrant taste.
• Colorful Side Delight: Grill some colorful bell peppers and zucchini alongside the chicken skewers to add extra nutrition and a smoky vegetable element to the plate.

Storing and Reheating Grilled Chicken Skewers

• Tasty Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover honey lime chicken skewers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Quick Reheating Hack: Warm cold skewers gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out during reheating.
• Freezer-Friendly Method: Wrap individual skewers tightly in aluminum foil or freezer-safe bags, allowing them to stay delicious for up to 2 months when frozen at 0°F (-18°C).
• Smart Meal Prep Tip: Prepare multiple batches of marinated chicken skewers in advance, separating raw portions with parchment paper for easy individual serving and quick weeknight dinner solutions.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 40 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 52 minutes

Calories: 305 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients for Honey Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy, tender meat that absorbs marinades beautifully, offering richer flavor compared to chicken breasts and staying moist during grilling.

• Honey, Maple Syrup: Provides natural sweetness and helps create caramelized, glossy exterior when grilled.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami depth and helps tenderize the chicken with its salty complexity.
• Lime Juice, Lime Zest: Brings bright, zesty acidity that cuts through richness and adds vibrant citrus notes.
• Garlic, Ginger: Classic aromatics that deliver punchy, warming flavor with subtle heat and depth.
• Sriracha Sauce: Introduces spicy kick and tangy complexity for those who enjoy a little heat.

• Vegetable Oil: Helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning on the grill.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out chicken's natural flavors.
• Cornstarch: Optional thickening agent for creating a glossier, more clingy glaze.
• Cilantro, Parsley: Fresh herbs for bright, herbaceous garnish that adds color and fragrance.
• Lime Wedges: Provides extra citrus punch and allows guests to adjust acidity to taste.

Tools for Grilling Honey Lime Chicken Skewers

• Mixing Bowl: Small size for whisking marinade ingredients smoothly.
• Food Processor (optional): Great for blending marinade ingredients quickly.
• Whisk: Essential for combining marinade ingredients evenly.
• Sealable Bag or Container: Perfect for marinating chicken pieces.
• Instant-Read Thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken's safe internal temperature.
• Wooden or Metal Skewers: Needed for threading and grilling chicken pieces.
• Grill: Primary cooking equipment for achieving golden brown char.
• Grill Brush: Helpful for cleaning grill grates before cooking.
• Tongs: Useful for turning skewers and handling chicken safely.
• Microwave: Quick tool for thickening reserved marinade with cornstarch.
• Cutting Board: For preparing and handling chicken before marinating.

Succulent Honey Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 52 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Succulent honey lime grilled chicken skewers combine zesty marinade with perfect char marks from high-heat grilling. Mexican-inspired flavors dance across tender chicken pieces, making you crave each deliciously caramelized bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2.5 lb (1.13 kg) boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 6 tbsps honey or maple syrup
• 3 tbsps low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tbsps fresh lime juice
• 1.5 tbsps grated fresh ginger
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1.5 tbsps Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1.25 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 0.5 teaspoon cornstarch for glaze
• 2 tbsps chopped cilantro or parsley (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Blend all marinade components in a blender until smooth, creating a harmonious mixture of flavors.
2. Chicken Coating: Immerse chicken pieces in the marinade within a sealed container, ensuring complete and thorough coverage by massaging the liquid into the meat.
3. Marination Process: Allow chicken to absorb flavors at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate for 6-12 hours, strategically omitting lime juice for extended marination to preserve protein integrity.
4. Glaze Creation: Transform remaining marinade into a glossy coating by incorporating cornstarch and gently heating until it reaches a slightly thickened consistency.
5. Grill Preparation: Meticulously clean grill grates, apply a light oil coating, and preheat to medium-high temperature (375-400°F), creating an optimal cooking environment.
6. Skewer Setup: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent combustion, then carefully thread marinated chicken chunks with minimal spacing for consistent heat distribution.
7. Grilling Technique: Position skewers on the grill, rotating periodically to achieve uniform caramelization and cook for 9-12 minutes until chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
8. Resting and Serving: Let grilled skewers rest for 4-5 minutes to redistribute internal moisture, then plate with a drizzle of prepared glaze, garnishing with fresh cilantro and zesty lime wedges for a stunning presentation.

Notes

• Prevent Protein Breakdown: Omit lime juice for overnight marinades to stop acid from destroying meat texture.
• Skewer Preparation: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F.
• Resting Technique: Allow grilled skewers to rest 4-5 minutes to redistribute juices and maintain tenderness.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg