Description
These Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers offer a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, grilled to juicy perfection. Paired with a creamy Cilantro Lime Dip, this recipe makes for a delicious and vibrant meal that’s great for gatherings or a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Skewers
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and minced (adjust based on desired heat level)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cilantro Lime Dip
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, lime juice, soy sauce, minced jalapeños, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper until fully combined to form a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the cubed chicken breasts to the marinade and toss well to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours to enhance flavor.
- Make the cilantro lime dip: In a separate small bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, chopped cilantro, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Prepare the skewers: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, spacing them slightly to ensure even cooking.
- Grill the chicken: Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, turning once. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and develops a golden brown color with distinct grill marks.
- Serve: Remove the chicken skewers from the grill and arrange on a serving platter. Serve hot alongside the chilled cilantro lime dip. Garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges if desired for added freshness and presentation.
Notes
- For easier grilling, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño based on your preferred spice level or substitute with milder peppers if desired.
- Chicken breasts can be substituted with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result.
- Marinate chicken longer (up to 2 hours) for more intense flavor, but avoid over-marinating as acid in lime juice can affect texture.
- This recipe can be adapted for indoor cooking using a grill pan or broiler.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
