Honey Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe

Irresistible Honey Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe

Honey lime grilled chicken skewers reimagine ordinary meals into culinary celebrations of summer’s bounty.

Tangy citrus notes dance with golden sweetness, infusing tender meat with irresistible flavors that spark immediate appetite.

Professional and home cooks alike appreciate these marinades for their simplistic yet powerful ingredient combinations.

Marinating techniques unlock deeper taste dimensions, allowing each protein morsel to absorb complex flavor profiles.

These skewers represent more than just food—they embody social gathering and shared moments of delicious connection.

Grilling becomes an art form when ingredients harmonize with such elegant simplicity.

Summer entertaining reaches new heights with recipes that spark conversation and create lasting memories.

Why Honey Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers Are a Summer Favorite

  • Burst with Vibrant Flavors: Honey lime marinade transforms ordinary chicken into a zesty, sweet-tangy explosion that dances on your taste buds, creating an irresistible combination of bright citrus and rich honey notes.
  • Master Grilling Technique: Simple method allows even home cooks to achieve perfectly charred, juicy chicken skewers with professional-level results, making outdoor cooking feel like a breeze.
  • Quick and Versatile Meal Prep: Ready in under an hour, these skewers work brilliantly for casual weeknight dinners, summer barbecues, or impressive party appetizers that keep preparation stress-free and delicious.
  • Nutrition-Packed Protein Punch: Delivers a balanced meal with lean protein, moderate calories, and minimal saturated fat, ensuring a satisfying dish that supports healthy eating without compromising on incredible flavor.

Ingredients to Make Honey Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers Sing

Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender, boneless meat perfect for skewers with good absorption of marinade flavors.
Marinade Base Ingredients:
  • Honey, Lime Juice: Sweet and tangy combination that tenderizes and adds bright citrus notes to chicken.
  • Olive Oil: Helps distribute marinade evenly and prevents chicken from sticking to grill.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Garlic, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic flavor enhancers that provide depth and traditional seasoning profile.
  • Cilantro or Parsley: Fresh herb garnish for added color and bright finishing flavor.
Thickening Agent:
  • Cornstarch: Helps transform marinade into a glossy, clingy glaze for chicken.
Cooking Accessories:
  • Wooden Skewers: Support for grilling chicken pieces and create attractive presentation.
  • Cooking Oil: Prevents chicken and skewers from sticking to grill grates during cooking.

Easy Guide to Grilling Honey Lime Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Prepare the Zesty Marinade

Combine all marinade ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and well-mixed, creating a vibrant flavor base for the chicken.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place chicken pieces in a large resealable plastic bag or container. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece gets fully coated. Let it marinate:
  • Room temperature: 30 minutes
  • Refrigerator: 6-12 hours

Pro tip: If marinating overnight, hold off on adding lime juice to prevent the acid from breaking down the chicken.

Step 3: Create a Flavorful Glaze

Set aside the remaining marinade for later use. To transform it into a thick glaze:
  • Add cornstarch
  • Microwave until it reaches a syrupy consistency

Step 4: Prepare the Grill

Get your grill ready for cooking:
  • Thoroughly clean the grill grates
  • Lightly oil the surface
  • Preheat to medium-high heat
  • If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning

Step 5: Skewer the Marinated Chicken

Remove chicken from marinade and discard the used liquid. Thread chicken pieces onto skewers:
  • Lightly oil skewers to prevent sticking
  • Ensure even distribution of chicken pieces

Step 6: Grill to Perfection

Cook the skewers with care:
  • Grill each side until golden brown
  • Total cooking time: 9-12 minutes
  • Rotate occasionally for even cooking
  • Use an instant-read thermometer to check internal temperature (160°F or 71°C)

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Final touches to make your dish irresistible:
  • Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling
  • Plate the skewers
  • Drizzle reserved glaze over the top
  • Garnish with
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley
  • Lime wedges

Enjoy your bright, tangy, and perfectly grilled chicken skewers!

Honey Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers Tips for Juicy Results

  • Marinate Masterfully: Let the chicken soak up flavors for maximum taste, but avoid over-marinating to prevent tough meat texture.
  • Prevent Skewer Scorching: Soak wooden skewers in water to shield them from direct flame and keep them from turning into charcoal.
  • Grill with Precision: Use medium-high heat and rotate skewers frequently for even cooking and beautiful golden-brown exterior.
  • Temperature is Key: Always check internal chicken temperature reaches 160°F to guarantee safe and juicy meat every time.
  • Glaze Game Strong: Transform reserved marinade into a thickened sauce by adding cornstarch, creating a glossy and flavorful finish that elevates the entire dish.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat Honey Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers

  • Refrigeration: Transfer cooled chicken skewers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor integrity.
  • Reheating: Warm skewers gently in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, covering with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, use a microwave with 30-second intervals, checking temperature and moisture level between each interval to preserve juiciness.
  • Freezing Option: Wrap individual skewers in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Delicious Pairings for Honey Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers

  • Refresh with Zesty Mojito: Pair the honey lime grilled chicken skewers with a classic mojito cocktail. The mint and lime in the drink perfectly complement the bright citrus flavors of the marinade, creating a refreshing summer dining experience.
  • Cooling Cucumber Salad Sidekick: Serve a crisp cucumber salad with light yogurt dressing alongside the skewers. The cool, creamy texture balances the grilled chicken's warm, caramelized exterior and cuts through the sweet-tangy marinade.
  • Tropical Rice Harmony: Prepare coconut rice as a side dish to enhance the skewers' tropical flavor profile. The subtle sweetness of coconut pairs beautifully with the honey and lime, creating a cohesive and exciting meal that transports your taste buds to a beachside paradise.
  • Crisp Sauvignon Blanc Companion: Choose a chilled Sauvignon Blanc wine to accompany the dish. Its citrusy notes and bright acidity mirror the lime in the marinade, while its crispness provides a perfect counterpoint to the grilled chicken's rich flavors.

Variations of Honey Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers to Spice Things Up

  • Tropical Mango Marinade: Swap lime juice with fresh mango puree and add a splash of coconut milk for a sweeter, more tropical flavor profile that enhances the chicken's juiciness.
  • Spicy Chili Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a tablespoon of sriracha into the marinade to create a fiery version that brings exciting heat to the grilled chicken skewers.
  • Herb Garden Fusion: Replace honey with agave nectar and mix in fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano to create an earthy, Mediterranean-inspired chicken skewer experience.
  • Smoky Chipotle Version: Blend in chipotle peppers in adobo sauce instead of lime juice, which will introduce a deep, smoky flavor with a subtle southwestern flair to the chicken skewers.
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Honey Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe

Honey Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe


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4.8 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 52 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Honey lime grilled chicken skewers bring Mediterranean zest to summer barbecues with their perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Juicy marinated chicken, kissed by grill flames, promises a delightful meal that will transport diners to sun-drenched coastal landscapes.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2.5 pounds (1.13 kilograms) boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

Marinade and Seasoning:

  • 6 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1.5 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1.5 tablespoons Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1.25 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest

Optional Additions:

  • 0.5 teaspoon cornstarch for glaze
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro or parsley (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by combining all ingredients in a blender or mixing bowl, whisking until smooth and fully incorporated.
  2. Transfer chicken pieces into a non-reactive container or heavy-duty resealable plastic bag, then pour half of the marinade over the meat, massaging to ensure complete and even coverage.
  3. Let the chicken marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes, or refrigerate for 6-12 hours; if planning an overnight marinade, omit lime juice to prevent the acid from breaking down the protein fibers.
  4. Convert the remaining marinade into a glaze by stirring in of cornstarch and heating in the microwave until it thickens slightly.
  5. Prepare the grill by thoroughly cleaning the grates and lightly coating with cooking oil, then preheat to medium-high heat (375-400°F or 190-204°C).
  6. If using wooden skewers, submerge them in water for 30 minutes to prevent charring during grilling.
  7. Remove chicken from marinade and discard the used liquid, then thread the pieces carefully onto pre-soaked skewers, leaving a small space between each chunk for even cooking.
  8. Grill the skewers, rotating occasionally to ensure uniform browning, cooking for 9-12 minutes total until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  9. After removing from heat, allow the skewers to rest for 4-5 minutes to redistribute internal juices and maintain moisture.
  10. Plate the grilled skewers, drizzle with reserved glaze, and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and lime wedges for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken carefully to infuse maximum flavor, preventing acid from breaking down protein too quickly.
  • Wooden skewers require pre-soaking to avoid charring during intense grilling sessions.
  • Cornstarch transforms leftover marinade into a glossy, rich glaze perfect for final drizzling.
  • Monitoring internal chicken temperature ensures safe, juicy meat without risking overcooking.
  • Fresh herb garnishes like cilantro or parsley elevate presentation and add bright, zesty notes to the final dish.
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 303 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 287 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 0.2 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Julian Park

Julian Park

Co-Founder, Cuisine Researcher & Food Culture Writer

Expertise

  • Global Food Cultures & Culinary History
  • Regional Flavor Profiles & Cooking Techniques
  • Food Anthropology & Cultural Identity
  • Culinary Research & Narrative Writing
  • Street Food Traditions & Heritage Dishes

Education

The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), Los Angeles, CA

  • Degree: Certificate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Professional culinary techniques, global cuisine fundamentals, and real-world training in restaurant-style cooking and food presentation.

Julian Park is a natural storyteller at The Dream Café who blends hands-on culinary experience with a passion for exploring global food traditions. A graduate of The Institute of Culinary Education in Los Angeles, Julian combines professional technique with a love for cultural discovery, diving into how dishes reflect heritage, migration, and identity. 

His work spans everything from in-depth cuisine guides to reflections on everyday meals around the world. With a curious palate and a journal always close by, Julian helps readers connect with food in a way that feels so insightful and personal.

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