Honey Lime Chicken Skewers

$- 1 lb boneless chicken breast - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Zest and juice of 2 fresh limes - 2 cloves garlic - Fresh cilantro - Wooden or metal skewers - Ground cumin - Smoked paprika - Salt and pepper To make the perfect Honey Lime Chicken Skewers, you need simple, fresh ingredients. Start with 1 lb of boneless chicken breast. Cut it into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Next, grab 1/4 cup of honey. This sweet touch adds great flavor. You’ll also need 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil for moisture. Next, zest and juice 2 fresh limes. The zest adds a bright punch. You’ll also need 2 cloves of garlic, minced finely. Garlic gives the skewers a nice kick. Don't forget seasonings like ground cumin and smoked paprika. Use these in equal parts for a warm, smoky flavor. Add salt and pepper to taste. For a fresh look, chop some cilantro for garnish. This adds color and a burst of fresh taste. Finally, remember your skewers. Wooden or metal, they will hold your chicken and flavor. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. This prevents burning during grilling. These ingredients come together for a tasty meal. They create a sweet and tangy dish that everyone will enjoy. {{ingredient_image_2}} - In a medium bowl, mix the honey, olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients until smooth. - Add the chicken cubes to the marinade. Toss gently to coat each piece well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor. - If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. This helps prevent burning on the grill. - Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This step is key for a good sear. - Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers. Leave small gaps between pieces. This helps cook evenly and gives nice grill marks. - Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes. Turn them often to cook all sides. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). - Once cooked, take the skewers off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This keeps the chicken juicy. - Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top for a pop of color and flavor. Grilling is my go-to method for Honey Lime Chicken Skewers. It gives the chicken a great char and smoky flavor. If you choose to bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This method works well, but you miss that grill taste. To enhance flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. For the best taste, try to marinate for up to 2 hours. The honey and lime mix works wonders to tenderize the meat. These skewers pair perfectly with coconut rice or a fresh cucumber salad. Coconut rice adds a sweet note that goes well with the tangy chicken. A cucumber salad offers a nice crunch and balances the dish. For garnishes, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top. It adds color and fresh flavor. You can also serve extra lime wedges on the side. This lets people add more zing if they want. For grilling, a good grill or grill pan is key. Choose one that heats evenly and has good grill marks. If you prefer to bake, a baking sheet lined with parchment works well. When it comes to skewers, I recommend using metal skewers. They are reusable and handle high heat better. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent burning on the grill. Pro Tips Marinade Time: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes will enhance the flavor, but marinating for 2 hours or more will give it an even deeper taste. Soak Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning and breaking. Chicken Size: Cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure they cook evenly and thoroughly on the grill. Resting Period: Let the skewers rest for a few minutes after grilling; this helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken more tender and juicy. {{image_4}} You can easily change the taste of your Honey Lime Chicken Skewers. For a new twist, try using different citrus fruits. Instead of lime, use orange or lemon juice and zest. Each option offers a unique flavor profile. You can also adjust the spices. If you like heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you want a milder taste, you can skip the smoked paprika. This recipe can fit various diets. For gluten-free options, just ensure your marinade ingredients are gluten-free. You can also make low-carb skewers by using chicken with less sugar. If you want a vegetarian choice, use firm tofu or a mix of colorful vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms work great on skewers. You don’t have to grill these skewers if you prefer other methods. For oven-baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. If you're short on time, you can use an air fryer. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and cook the skewers for 10-12 minutes. This method gives you a nice crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy. Enjoy your cooking adventure! To keep your Honey Lime Chicken Skewers fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This helps prevent drying out and keeps the flavors intact. Make sure to refrigerate within two hours after cooking for safety. You can also freeze these skewers. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. This method helps prevent freezer burn. To reheat on the grill, preheat it to medium heat. Place the skewers on the grill for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally. This method helps maintain the juicy texture. If you prefer the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This keeps the chicken moist. In the fridge, your skewers will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Always check for any off smells or changes in color. If the chicken looks slimy or has an odd smell, it's best to discard it. For frozen skewers, they can last for about 2-3 months. However, for the best flavor, use them within a month. Always inspect for freezer burn or ice crystals before cooking. I suggest marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This helps the chicken soak up the flavors. For an even richer taste, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours. Remember, the longer you marinate, the better the flavor. Yes, you can use other meats. Pork, shrimp, or beef work great as alternatives. Each will change the flavor but will still taste amazing with the honey lime marinade. Just adjust cooking times based on the meat you choose. You can serve these skewers with many sides. Some great options are coconut rice or a crisp cucumber salad. Both add freshness and balance the sweet and tangy flavors of the skewers. Don’t forget to offer extra lime wedges for some zing! This article covered how to make delicious Honey Lime Chicken Skewers. You learned about key ingredients, including chicken, honey, and lime. I shared step-by-step instructions to marinate, grill, and serve the skewers. You also picked up tips on variations, storage, and answers to common questions. Now, you can create a tasty meal that's easy to enjoy. Experiment with flavors and have fun grilling!$

Honey Lime Chicken Skewers

Delicious grilled chicken skewers marinated in a sweet and tangy honey lime sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 whole fresh limes, zest and juice
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
to taste fresh cilantro, finely chopped (for garnish)
as needed wooden or metal skewers

Instructions

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the honey, extra virgin olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until you create a smooth and well-blended marinade.
Carefully add the chicken cubes into the marinade. Toss them gently to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the chicken to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes, or, for a richer flavor, up to 2 hours.
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for 30 minutes ahead of time to prevent them from burning during grilling.
Assemble the skewers by threading the marinated chicken cubes onto them. Leave a small gap between each piece, which helps with even cooking and creates those delightful grill marks.
Grill the skewers for approximately 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure all sides are cooked evenly. Check that the chicken is cooked through and has visible grill marks, and ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (75°C).
Once cooked, carefully remove the skewers from the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes. This helps retain the juices in the chicken.
Just before serving, sprinkle the skewers generously with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.

Notes

Pair with coconut rice or cucumber salad for a complete meal. Serve with extra lime wedges for drizzling.

Keyword chicken, grilling, honey, lime, skewers