Discover the ultimate recipe for perfectly grilled Honey Lime Chicken Skewers – a vibrant, flavorful dish that will elevate your grilling game and become a go-to favorite!

Irresistible Honey Lime Chicken Skewers: Your New Favorite Grilled Meal

Prepare to impress with these Grilled Honey Lime Chicken Skewers! Infused with an incredibly aromatic and zesty marinade, these skewers are a delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. They grill up to golden perfection in mere minutes, making them an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner, a lively backyard BBQ, or a healthy addition to your meal prep. Each bite of succulent chicken breast, marinated in a vibrant mix of honey, fresh lime, and a few other simple ingredients, promises a burst of fresh flavor that’s both light and deeply satisfying. This recipe is designed to bring maximum flavor with minimal effort, ensuring a delicious and memorable dining experience every time.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Lime Chicken Recipe

These aren’t just any chicken skewers; they are a culinary celebration of fresh ingredients and simple grilling techniques. Here’s why this Honey Lime Chicken Skewers recipe is destined to become a staple in your kitchen:

• Explosive Flavor Profile: The star of this dish is undoubtedly the marinade, a harmonious fusion of sweet honey, tart lime, umami-rich soy sauce, and a hint of spicy Sriracha. This combination creates a dynamic flavor that’s bright, refreshing, and incredibly addictive.
• Effortlessly Easy: From prepping the marinade to grilling the skewers, the entire process is straightforward and requires minimal culinary expertise. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without the fuss.
• Quick Cooking Time: Chicken skewers cook rapidly on the grill, typically within 7-8 minutes per side. This means you can have a gourmet-tasting meal on the table in under 30 minutes once the chicken is marinated.
• Incredibly Versatile: These skewers are a fantastic standalone dish, but their adaptability knows no bounds. Serve them with a side of rice, alongside a fresh salad, tucked into warm tortillas for tacos, or even chopped over noodles for a quick Asian-inspired bowl.
• Healthy and Wholesome: Made with lean boneless, skinless chicken breasts and fresh, natural ingredients, this recipe offers a healthy source of protein that’s low in fat and packed with flavor, without relying on heavy sauces or excessive oil.
• Perfect for Grilling Season: While delicious year-round, these skewers truly shine during outdoor grilling sessions. They’re a fantastic addition to any BBQ spread, potluck, or summer gathering, appealing to a wide range of palates.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Skewers

Crafting these exceptional Honey Lime Chicken Skewers starts with selecting quality ingredients that build layers of flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is key:

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The lean protein base for our skewers. Chicken breasts are ideal for grilling as they cook quickly and absorb the marinade beautifully. Cut them into uniform 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking. Chicken thighs can also be used for a juicier result, simply adjust cooking time slightly.
• Soy Sauce: This provides a crucial umami depth and savory foundation to the marinade. It also helps tenderize the chicken. For a gluten-free option, use tamari.
• Honey: The sweet counterpoint to the lime, honey creates a subtle glaze on the chicken as it grills, promoting a beautiful caramelization and adding richness.
• Vegetable Oil: Essential for helping the marinade penetrate the chicken and preventing the chicken from sticking to the grill. Any neutral oil like canola or grapeseed oil works well.
• Fresh Lime Juice: The star of the zesty component! Freshly squeezed lime juice is paramount for that bright, tangy flavor that cuts through the sweetness of the honey. Don’t underestimate the power of fresh citrus!
• Sriracha Sauce: An optional but highly recommended addition. Sriracha introduces a pleasant warmth and subtle kick, enhancing the overall flavor profile without overpowering it. Adjust the amount to your preferred spice level, or omit entirely for a milder dish.
• Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic is indispensable for its pungent aroma and robust flavor, adding an aromatic complexity to the marinade.
• Fresh Cilantro: This herb adds a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the lime and honey beautifully. While optional for those who aren’t fans, it truly elevates the dish’s freshness.
• Skewers (Metal or Wooden): Metal skewers are reusable and don’t require soaking. If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 15-30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.

Crafting the Perfect Marinade and Grilling Skewers

The secret to these incredibly flavorful chicken skewers lies in the simple yet powerful marinade. Follow these steps for an unforgettable meal:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, vegetable oil, fresh lime juice, Sriracha sauce (if using), minced garlic, and chopped cilantro. Whisk everything together until well combined. The marinade should be a uniform, slightly thick consistency.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add your 1-inch diced chicken pieces to the prepared marinade. Gently toss the chicken to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Allow the chicken to marinate for a minimum of 1 hour for flavors to meld, or up to 3 hours for deeper infusion. For best results and maximum flavor, you can even marinate it overnight. Chef’s Tip: Do not over-marinate, as acidic ingredients like lime juice can begin to break down the chicken fibers if left too long.
3. Prepare Skewers: While the chicken marinates, if you are using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 15-30 minutes. This prevents them from charring or catching fire on the grill.
4. Thread the Chicken: Once marinated, thread 8 to 9 pieces of chicken onto each skewer. Try to leave a small space between each piece to ensure even cooking and prevent steaming. Don’t overcrowd the skewers.
5. Preheat Your Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat. For most gas grills, this means setting it to about 350-400°F (175-200°C). Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
6. Grill to Perfection: Place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for about 7 to 8 minutes on each side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown with beautiful grill marks and fully cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
7. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken remains tender and moist.

Pro Tips for Making The Best Chicken Skewers

Achieving perfect chicken skewers every time is easy with a few simple tricks. Keep these tips in mind for consistently delicious results:

• Soak Wooden Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, immerse them in water for at least 15-30 minutes before threading the chicken. This crucial step prevents them from burning and splintering on the grill, ensuring your food stays put.
• Uniform Chicken Pieces: Cut your chicken into roughly 1-inch cubes of similar size. This promotes even cooking, so all pieces are done at the same time without some being overcooked and others undercooked.
• Don’t Overcrowd Skewers: Leave a small gap between each chicken piece when threading them onto the skewer. This allows heat to circulate evenly around each piece, resulting in better browning and more thorough cooking.
• Alternative Sweeteners: Agave syrup can be a fantastic substitute for honey if you prefer, offering a similar sweetness and consistency. Maple syrup can also work in a pinch for a different flavor note.
• Adjust the Heat: The Sriracha sauce is entirely optional. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount or omit it completely. For more heat, feel free to add an extra dash!
• Explore Other Chicken Cuts: This recipe works wonderfully with boneless, skinless chicken thighs as well. Thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving on the grill, offering a slightly richer flavor. Adjust grilling time slightly as needed.
• Flavor Twists: For a different culinary experience, try swapping out the soy sauce with teriyaki sauce in the marinade. This will introduce a sweeter, ginger-garlic profile that’s equally delicious. You can also experiment with other citrus juices like orange for a brighter twist.
• Indoor Grilling Options: No outdoor grill? No problem! These skewers can be cooked on an indoor electric grill, a stovetop grill pan, or even baked in the oven. For baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked.
• Rest the Meat: After grilling, always let the chicken skewers rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings

These Honey Lime Chicken Skewers are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some of our favorite ways to serve them:

• Cilantro Lime Rice: A classic pairing that enhances the zesty flavors of the chicken. The fluffy, aromatic rice acts as a perfect canvas for the marinade’s delightful notes.
• Asian Slaw: A crisp and refreshing Asian slaw provides a wonderful textural contrast and a tangy counterpoint to the sweet and savory chicken. Its vibrant crunch is always a hit.
• Fresh Garden Salad: For a lighter meal, serve the skewers alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. You can even slice the chicken off the skewers and toss it directly into the salad.
• Grilled Vegetables: Create a full grilled meal by skewering bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes and grilling them alongside the chicken. They will absorb some of the chicken’s delicious flavors.
• Tacos or Wraps: Shred the grilled chicken and use it as a filling for soft tortillas or lettuce wraps, topped with a dollop of sour cream or a fresh salsa for a casual and fun meal.
• Quinoa or Couscous: For a healthier grain option, serve the skewers over a bed of fluffy quinoa or quick-cooking couscous, perhaps with some chopped herbs mixed in.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes or sweet potato fries makes for a comforting and flavorful side that complements the honey-lime chicken beautifully.
• Fresh Lime Wedges: Always serve extra fresh lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the cooked chicken. A final squeeze of fresh lime juice truly brightens the flavors and adds a professional touch.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

These Honey Lime Chicken Skewers are fantastic fresh off the grill, but they also make for excellent leftovers.

• Storage: Allow any leftover chicken to cool completely. Remove the chicken from the skewers and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, you can gently warm the chicken in a microwave, or for best results, heat it in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out. You can also reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Freezing: Cooked chicken skewers can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Place cooled chicken pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We understand you might have a few questions about making the perfect Honey Lime Chicken Skewers. Here are answers to some common inquiries:

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
  Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They tend to be juicier and more forgiving on the grill. Just be aware that their cooking time might be slightly longer than chicken breasts.
• How long should I marinate the chicken?
  For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour. You can extend this to up to 3 hours, or even overnight (8-12 hours) for a deeper flavor infusion. Avoid marinating for more than 24 hours, as the lime juice’s acidity can start to break down the chicken’s texture.
• What if I don’t have a grill?
  No problem! You can cook these skewers on a grill pan on your stovetop, an indoor electric grill, or bake them in the oven. For oven baking, preheat to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through.
• Can I add vegetables to the skewers?
  Yes, and it’s highly recommended! Bell peppers (any color), red onion, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes are great additions. Just make sure to cut them into pieces roughly the same size as the chicken for even cooking.
• Is the Sriracha necessary?
  The Sriracha adds a lovely subtle heat that balances the sweet and tangy notes, but it’s completely optional. If you prefer no spice, feel free to omit it. If you love heat, you can add a bit more!
• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
  The best way to tell is by using an instant-read meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Visually, the chicken should be opaque throughout and have nice golden-brown grill marks.

With this comprehensive guide, you’re now ready to create mouthwatering Honey Lime Chicken Skewers that are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the process and savor the incredible flavors!

Grilled Honey Lime Chicken Skewers

Grilled Honey Lime Chicken Skewers start with the most amazing marinade! They are then grilled to a golden perfection and done in minutes.

★★★★★

2 Reviews

Print
Pin
Rate

Prep Time:
1 hour 15 minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes

Total Time:
1 hour 35 minutes

Servings:
4

Author:

Brandie Skibinski

Ingredients

• 1 pound
  boneless skinless chicken breasts,
  cut into 1-inch pieces
• ¼ cup
  soy sauce
  
• 3 Tablespoons honey
• 1 Tablespoon
  vegetable oil
  
• juice of 1 lime
• 2 teaspoons
  Sriracha sauce
  (hot chili sauce)
• 2 cloves
  garlic
  minced
• 2 Tablespoons
  cilantro
  chopped
• 4 skewers

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, oil, lime juice, Sriracha sauce, garlic and cilantro. Stir to combine.
2. Add the diced chicken pieces to marinade.
3. Gently stir to coat in marinade.
4. Cover bowl tightly. Place in fridge and let marinate at least 1 hour, up to 3 hours (even overnight.)
5. Thread 8 to 9 pieces of chicken onto each skewer. (if using wooden skewers make sure to soak in water at least 15 minutes)
6. Grill over medium heat, 7 to 8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked in center.

Notes

• If using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 15 minutes so they don’t burn while on the grill.
• You can substitute agave syrup for the honey.
• The sriracha sauce is completely optional if you don’t like it too spicy.
• This recipe works wonderfully with chicken thighs as well.
• These can be made with an indoor electric grill or a stovetop grill if you have one.
• Try switching out the soy sauce with teriyaki sauce for a flavor twist.

Course:
Main Course

Cuisine:
American

Nutrition

Calories:
220
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
14
g

|

Protein:
25
g

|

Fat:
6
g

|

Sodium:
995
mg

|

Sugar:
13
g

Nutritional Disclaimer

“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

Did you make this recipe?
Share it on Instagram @thecountrycook and mention us #thecountrycook!

Craving More Delicious Recipes?

If you loved these Honey Lime Chicken Skewers, we’re sure you’ll enjoy these other fantastic grilling and chicken recipes:

• Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
• Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken
• Grilled Italian Lemon Garlic Chicken
• Grilled Baked Potatoes
• Pollo Loco Chicken
• Grilled Chicken Legs
• Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
• Best Grilled Ribs
• Grilled Chicken Marinade
• Grilled BBQ Chicken
• Grilled Steak Marinade
• Grilled Balsamic Pork Chops
• Grilled Peaches
• Baked Chicken Skewers

Originally published: June 2014
Updated and republished: February 2022