Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Lime Dip

These Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Lime Dip are a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and zesty flavors. Juicy chicken, glazed with a spicy honey-jalapeño marinade, is grilled to perfection and paired with a refreshing cilantro lime dip, making them an irresistible appetizer or main course for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bold Flavors: Sweet honey, spicy jalapeños, and tangy lime create a flavor-packed dish.
  • Versatile: Great as an appetizer, main dish, or party snack.
  • Healthy and Light: A protein-rich option that’s also crowd-pleasing.
  • Perfect for Grilling: Ideal for summer BBQs, but can also be cooked indoors.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken Skewers

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Honey
  • Jalapeño peppers, finely chopped
  • Soy sauce
  • Lime juice
  • Garlic, minced
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • Wooden or metal skewers

Cilantro Lime Dip

  • Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • Fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • Lime juice and zest
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper

Directions

Chicken Skewers

  1. Prepare the Marinade:
    • In a bowl, mix honey, chopped jalapeños, soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  2. Marinate the Chicken:
    • Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
  3. Assemble the Skewers:
    • Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a small gap between pieces for even cooking.
  4. Grill the Skewers:
    • Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a slight char.

Cilantro Lime Dip

  1. Make the Dip:
    • In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, lime juice and zest, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  2. Serve:
    • Arrange the grilled skewers on a platter and serve with the cilantro lime dip on the side.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 32 minutes (excluding marinating)

Variations

  • Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu or paneer cubes for a plant-based alternative.
  • Extra Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use hotter chili varieties in the marinade.
  • Different Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp, pork, or beef for a new twist.
  • Dairy-Free Dip: Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative for the cilantro lime dip.
  • Tropical Flavor: Add pineapple chunks to the skewers for a sweet, tangy contrast.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftover chicken and dip separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat skewers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I bake these skewers instead of grilling?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.

How do I make the skewers less spicy?

Remove the seeds from the jalapeños or reduce the amount used in the marinade.

Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, marinate the chicken up to 4 hours in advance and assemble skewers just before grilling.

What if I don’t have skewers?

Cook the chicken pieces directly on the grill or in a skillet for a similar result.

Can I use bottled lime juice for the recipe?

Fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled juice can work in a pinch.

Is there a substitute for cilantro in the dip?

Parsley or dill can be used as substitutes if you’re not a fan of cilantro.

What can I serve with these skewers?

Serve with rice, a side salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I make the dip ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the dip up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Yes, freeze the chicken in the marinade in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw before grilling.

How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?

Brush the grill grates with oil or use non-stick spray before placing the skewers on.

Conclusion

Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Lime Dip are a flavor-packed dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or making a weeknight dinner extra special, this recipe is versatile, delicious, and easy to prepare. Try it out, and enjoy a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and tangy freshness!

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Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Lime Dip

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course, Appetizer
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex, Fusion

Description

These Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers are the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and smoky. Paired with a refreshing cilantro lime dip, they’re ideal for grilling season, parties, or a fun weeknight meal.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken Skewers:

  • 1 1/2 lbs (700 g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 12 jalapeños, finely chopped (adjust for spice level)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if grilling)

For the Cilantro Lime Dip:

  • 1/2 cup (120 g) Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together honey, olive oil, soy sauce, lime juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, jalapeños, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
  2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, tossing to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.

2. Prepare the Cilantro Lime Dip:

  1. In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, cilantro, lime juice, honey, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Mix until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

3. Assemble the Skewers:

  1. Thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked skewers, ensuring the pieces are spaced slightly apart for even cooking.

4. Cook the Skewers:

  1. Grill: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
    Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil and bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Broil for the last 2–3 minutes for a charred effect.

5. Serve:

  1. Serve the skewers hot with the cilantro lime dip on the side. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges if desired.

Notes

  • For extra caramelization, brush the skewers with additional honey during the last few minutes of cooking.
  • Adjust the spice level by reducing or omitting the jalapeños and cayenne pepper.
  • These skewers pair well with rice, grilled vegetables, or a simple green salad.

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