Honey Lime Chicken Skewers

This post may include affiliate links — learn more here .

Introduction

Honey Lime Chicken Skewers are a mouthwatering and flavorful dish that perfectly balances sweet and tangy notes. These skewers are made by marinating chicken in a zesty honey lime mixture and grilling it to tender perfection. With a combination of fresh lime juice, honey, and a touch of garlic, these skewers are perfect for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or a light weeknight dinner. Whether you serve them as appetizers or pair them with your favorite sides, these skewers are sure to be a hit. This easy-to-follow recipe makes it simple to create a meal that’s both delicious and satisfying.

Perfect for:

• Summer BBQs
• Family dinners
• Meal prep for the week
• Outdoor gatherings
• Grilling enthusiasts
• Halal-friendly meals

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Honey Lime Chicken Skewers are a dish that stands out for multiple reasons:

• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweetness of honey combined with the citrusy zing of lime creates an irresistible flavor profile that enhances the chicken.
• Juicy and Tender: Marinating the chicken allows it to soak up all the amazing flavors, resulting in a tender and juicy bite every time.
• Simple and Quick: With minimal ingredients and prep time, this recipe can be whipped up in under an hour, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Versatile: These skewers can be served with a variety of sides, such as rice, salad, or grilled vegetables, and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences.
• Halal-Friendly: This recipe follows Halal guidelines, ensuring that it’s suitable for everyone, including those who follow Halal dietary practices.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Marinating Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make delicious Honey Lime Chicken Skewers:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a mild kick)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are the perfect choice for these skewers as they stay tender and juicy when grilled.
• Honey: Honey brings a natural sweetness to the dish, balancing the tanginess of the lime while creating a beautiful glaze.
• Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice provides acidity that cuts through the sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Garlic: Garlic adds a savory depth of flavor, perfectly complementing the other ingredients.
• Spices: Cumin, paprika, and chili powder provide warmth and a slight kick, creating a rich, complex flavor profile.

Step-by-Step

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your own batch of Honey Lime Chicken Skewers:

Prepare the Marinade:

1. Mix the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, fresh lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. This mixture will serve as the marinade that infuses the chicken with flavor.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the bowl and toss until all the pieces are evenly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours.

Skewer the Chicken:

3. Prepare the Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for 30 minutes prior to using them to prevent burning while grilling. If you’re using metal skewers, they are ready to go.
4. Thread the Chicken: Carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, ensuring they are spaced evenly. You can alternate with vegetables like bell peppers or onions for added color and flavor.

Grill the Chicken:

5. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F (200°C). Brush the grill grates with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
6. Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill the chicken for 3-5 minutes per side, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Check for Doneness: Once the chicken is golden and cooked through, remove the skewers from the grill. Let them rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.

Serve and Garnish:

8. Garnish: Optional, but fresh cilantro can be sprinkled over the grilled skewers for a burst of color and a hint of freshness.
9. Serve: Serve the Honey Lime Chicken Skewers with your favorite sides. Try them with rice, grilled vegetables, a light salad, or even in wraps with some fresh greens.

How to Serve Honey Lime Chicken Skewers

Honey Lime Chicken Skewers are incredibly versatile and can be served in many creative ways:

• With Rice: Serve the skewers with steamed jasmine rice or cilantro-lime rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
• With Salad: These skewers pair wonderfully with a fresh salad, such as a cucumber and tomato salad, or a tangy slaw with a light vinaigrette.
• In Wraps or Tacos: For a more casual meal, slice the grilled chicken and serve it in wraps or soft tortillas with some avocado, shredded lettuce, and a drizzle of lime crema or yogurt sauce.
• With Grilled Veggies: For a complete grilled meal, pair the skewers with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or onions.
• As an Appetizer: Serve these skewers as an appetizer at parties or gatherings. The bite-sized pieces are perfect for snacking and sharing.

Additional Tips for Honey Lime Chicken Skewers

Here are some tips to make your Honey Lime Chicken Skewers even better:

• Don’t Overmarinate: While marinating the chicken is essential for flavor, don’t leave it for too long as the acid from the lime juice can break down the chicken, making it mushy. 30 minutes to 2 hours is the sweet spot.
• Use Bone-In Chicken: If you prefer bone-in chicken, feel free to use chicken thighs or drumsticks. Just keep in mind that bone-in pieces will take longer to cook.
• Grill Carefully: Keep an eye on the chicken while grilling, as honey can caramelize and cause the skewers to burn quickly. Make sure to rotate the skewers to prevent charring.
• Add Some Heat: If you enjoy spicy food, you can add a bit of chili flakes or jalapeño slices to the marinade to give the skewers an extra kick.

Recipe Variations for Honey Lime Chicken Skewers

Here are a few variations of Honey Lime Chicken Skewers to try:

• Spicy Honey Lime Chicken Skewers: Add more chili powder or some chopped jalapeños to the marinade for an extra level of heat.
• Grilled Chicken Skewers with Mango Salsa: Pair your skewers with a tangy mango salsa for a tropical twist.
• Coconut-Crusted Honey Lime Chicken Skewers: For a fun and crunchy variation, roll the marinated chicken pieces in shredded coconut before skewering and grilling.
• Honey Lime Chicken Skewers with Avocado: After grilling, top the skewers with sliced avocado for a creamy, buttery contrast to the zesty marinade.
• Lemon Honey Chicken Skewers: For a citrusy twist, substitute lemon juice for lime juice for a slightly different flavor.

Freezing and Storage for Honey Lime Chicken Skewers

• Freezing: You can freeze the marinated chicken before grilling it for up to 3 months. Just place the marinated chicken pieces in a sealed freezer bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before grilling.
• Storage: Leftover cooked chicken skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the grill for a few minutes to restore their juicy texture.

Special Equipment for Honey Lime Chicken Skewers

Here are some helpful items to make preparing your Honey Lime Chicken Skewers easier:

• Grill: A charcoal or gas grill works best to get those smoky flavors and beautiful grill marks on the skewers.
• Skewers: Wooden or metal skewers can be used to thread the chicken pieces. Be sure to soak the wooden ones to avoid burning.
• Tongs: Tongs help flip the skewers easily without piercing the chicken and losing moisture.
• Basting Brush: Use a basting brush to apply extra marinade or glaze on the skewers while grilling to enhance the flavor.

FAQ Section about Honey Lime Chicken Skewers

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully for this recipe as they tend to stay juicier and more flavorful.
2. Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
   Yes, you can marinate the chicken the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just skewer and grill them when you’re ready to cook.
3. Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
   Yes, if you don’t have a grill, you can bake the marinated chicken on a baking sheet in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked.
4. Can I make these skewers spicy?
   Yes, add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy version.
5. What should I serve with these skewers?
   You can serve these skewers with grilled vegetables, rice, quinoa, a salad, or in wraps. They are versatile and can complement many sides.

Print

Conclusion

Honey Lime Chicken Skewers are a simple yet flavorful dish that will become a staple at your table. With their balance of sweetness and tanginess, tender texture, and quick preparation, these skewers are perfect for a casual dinner, a weekend barbecue, or as an impressive dish at your next gathering. Easy to make, customizable, and Halal-friendly, these skewers are bound to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy the delicious combination of honey, lime, and grilled chicken—perfect for every occasion!