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These grilled honey lime chicken skewers melt in your mouth with a wonderful balance of sweet and tangy flavors. The marinade infuses tender chicken pieces with honey’s natural sweetness and the brightness of fresh lime, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal or weekend barbecue. They also come together quickly and pair beautifully with a variety of sides.
I first made these skewers for a summer cookout and everyone was instantly hooked. Now they have become a staple when I want something flavorful but not fussy.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: makes for lean, tender pieces that soak up the marinade
- Soy sauce: adds a salty umami punch to balance the sweetness
- Honey: brings natural sweetness and helps create a nice char when grilled
- Vegetable oil: prevents sticking and helps coat the chicken evenly
- Fresh lime juice: provides bright citrus notes that brighten the entire dish
- Sriracha sauce: adds just the right amount of gentle heat take it down or leave it out if you prefer mild
- Minced garlic: infuses savory depth offering classic flavor aromatics
- Fresh cilantro: offers herbaceous freshness optional but highly recommended
- Skewers: either metal or soaked wooden skewers to keep chicken secure while grilling
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics and Prepare Marinade:
- In a small bowl combine soy sauce honey vegetable oil fresh lime juice sriracha minced garlic and chopped cilantro. Stir well to create a balanced marinade that will deeply flavor the chicken.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Add diced chicken breast pieces to the marinade. Gently stir to coat every piece completely. Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least one hour up to three hours. This step is key to tenderizing and infusing flavor.
- Assemble the Skewers:
- If using wooden skewers soak them in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent burning. Thread about eight to nine pieces of marinated chicken onto each skewer leaving a bit of space so heat circulates evenly.
- Preheat the Grill:
- Heat your grill to medium allowing it to reach an even temperature. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly without drying out.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Place the skewers over direct medium heat. Grill for about seven to eight minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit and chicken is cooked through. The honey in the marinade will caramelize creating a beautiful golden glaze.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove from grill and serve immediately with extra fresh lime wedges to squeeze on top enhancing the zesty flavor.
One of my favorite parts about this recipe is the fresh lime juice. Adding it at the end gives the dish a fresh zip that keeps each bite bright and exciting. One summer I made these at a family picnic where everyone reached for seconds. They are always a hit and easy to double for a crowd.
Storage Tips
Store leftover grilled chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to keep them juicy. Avoid microwaving for best texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap chicken breasts for thighs for a richer more moist bite. Agave syrup can replace honey for a different natural sweetness. Try teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce for a slightly sweeter glaze.
Serving Suggestions
Serve skewers over cilantro lime rice for a vibrant and fragrant meal. Top a fresh green salad with diced grilled chicken for a light dinner option. Try chicken skewers in warm tortillas with slaw for easy tasty tacos.
These skewers are quick to make and deliver bright sweet heat that pleases a crowd. Serve with lime wedges and your favorite sides.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How long should I marinate the chicken?
For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but up to 3 hours to allow the flavors to fully infuse.
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and will be juicy with this marinade and grilling method.
- → Do I need to soak wooden skewers?
Soaking wooden skewers in water for 15 minutes before grilling prevents them from burning.
- → Is Sriracha necessary in the marinade?
Sriracha is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a milder flavor.
- → What sides complement grilled chicken skewers?
These skewers pair well with cilantro lime rice, fresh lime wedges, or a crisp Asian slaw to balance the flavors.