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
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a bowl, mix honey, chopped jalapeños, soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- 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.
- Assemble the Skewers:
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a small gap between pieces for even cooking.
- 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
- 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.
- 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!
PrintSpicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Lime Dip
- 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
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
- 1–2 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:
- 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.
- 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:
- 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:
- Thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked skewers, ensuring the pieces are spaced slightly apart for even cooking.
4. Cook the Skewers:
- 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:
- 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.