Grilled Honey Lime Chicken Skewers

These grilled honey lime chicken skewers deliver a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that brighten up any meal. Marinated in a simple mixture of honey, lime, soy sauce, and a dash of heat from Sriracha, the chicken cooks quickly on the grill to a golden, juicy finish. These skewers are fantastic on their own or as a flavorful protein addition to salads and tacos.

I first made this recipe when I wanted something fresh and bright for a spring barbecue. The combination of honey and lime became an instant hit with my family and friends, and now I make these skewers anytime I crave something flavorful but quick.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: choose fresh, firm chicken for the best texture
• Soy sauce: adds savory depth, low sodium works great if you want to control salt levels
• Honey: brings mild sweetness that balances tart lime juice
• Vegetable oil: helps keep chicken moist and prevents sticking on the grill
• Fresh lime juice: essential for zesty brightness always use fresh limes for that punchy flavor
• Sriracha sauce: optional for adding heat adjust to your taste or omit for no spice
• Fresh garlic, minced: gives a sharp aromatic kick and enhances the marinade
• Fresh cilantro leaves: adds a fresh herbal note use more or less depending on your love for cilantro
• Skewers metal or wooden: wooden skewers should be soaked in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent burning

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

This recipe does not require stovetop cooking, so jump straight into making the marinade.

Prepare the Marinade:

In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, vegetable oil, freshly squeezed lime juice, Sriracha sauce, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure the honey dissolves and the ingredients meld.

Marinate the Chicken:

Add the diced chicken pieces to the marinade. Stir gently to coat each piece evenly. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate. Allow the chicken to soak up the flavors for at least one hour or up to three hours for deeper taste.

Thread the Chicken onto Skewers:

Take 8 to 9 pieces of the marinated chicken and carefully thread them onto each skewer. If you are using wooden skewers, remember to soak them beforehand to prevent burning on the grill.

Heat the Grill and Cook:

Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for about 7 to 8 minutes on each side. Turn gently to ensure even grilling. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and has nice grill marks.

Serve and Enjoy:

Remove the chicken skewers from the grill and serve immediately. Squeeze fresh lime juice on top for an extra burst of citrus. These skewers shine paired with cilantro lime rice or a crisp Asian style slaw for a complete meal.

The star for me in this dish is the fresh lime juice, it cuts through the richness of the honey and soy sauce beautifully. One summer evening, my family gathered around the backyard grill as these skewers seared away. The tangy scent mixed with the warmth of the honey made the whole experience unforgettable.

Storage Tips

Store leftover cooked skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently on a grill pan or in the oven to retain juiciness and avoid drying out the chicken. If raw chicken skewers are prepped but not yet cooked, keep them sealed and refrigerated and make sure to cook within 24 hours for food safety.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap honey for agave syrup or maple syrup if you prefer a plant based sweetener. Use teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce for a slightly sweeter and more complex glaze. Chicken thighs work beautifully in place of chicken breasts and tend to stay juicier on the grill. If you don't like cilantro, fresh parsley is a milder alternative that still adds green freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these skewers on a bed of cilantro lime rice or alongside creamy avocado slices and fresh corn salad for a vibrant meal. They also make fantastic taco fillings topped with crunchy slaw and a drizzle of crema. For a lighter option, return to letting the skewers star on a leafy green salad with a citrus vinaigrette.

These grilled honey lime chicken skewers are quick to make and full of bright sweet and tangy flavor. They are perfect for weeknight dinners or summer gatherings.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ How long should the chicken marinate?

Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, up to 3 hours, to absorb the honey lime flavors fully.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and will be juicy and flavorful when marinated and grilled the same way.

→ What is the best way to prevent wooden skewers from burning?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 15 minutes before grilling to keep them from burning.

→ Is sriracha sauce necessary in the marinade?

Sriracha is optional; it adds a mild spice but can be omitted for a milder flavor.

→ What side dishes pair well with these skewers?

Cilantro lime rice, Asian slaw, or fresh salad complement the sweet and tangy grilled chicken perfectly.

→ Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?

Agave syrup works well as a substitute for honey, providing a similar sweetness.