If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor and offers a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy, then the Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Lime Dip Recipe is your new go-to. These skewers bring together tender grilled chicken glazed in a vibrant honey jalapeño marinade, delivering just the right kick in every bite. Paired with a refreshing cilantro lime dip, this recipe is perfect for lively gatherings or elevating an ordinary weeknight dinner into something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh, simple ingredients is key to making the Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Lime Dip Recipe shine. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s adding heat, sweetness, creaminess, or zing, making this dish a fabulous combination of flavors and textures.
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for juiciness or breasts for leaner meat, all cut into 1-inch pieces for quick, even cooking.
- 2 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped: Adds heat and freshness, remove seeds if you prefer a milder spice level.
- 3 tbsp honey: Sweetens the marinade and caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and helps blend all marinade flavors.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Adds a savory depth with a touch of umami.
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar: Offers a subtle tang that balances the sweetness and spice.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses aromatic pungency that enhances the marinade.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Brings smoky warmth that complements the jalapeño’s heat.
- ½ tsp salt: Essential for seasoning and highlighting all the flavors.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
- Wooden or metal skewers: For threading the chicken and grilling with ease.
- For the cilantro lime dip: ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp lime zest, ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves finely chopped, 1 clove garlic minced, and salt to taste.
How to Make Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Lime Dip Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Chicken
Start by mixing honey, olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, jalapeños, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This marinade is where the magic happens—each ingredient adds a layer of flavor that will infuse the chicken beautifully. Toss your cut chicken pieces into the marinade and make sure every piece gets thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours if you want that deep, robust flavor to really develop.
Step 2: Prepare the Cilantro Lime Dip
While your chicken marinates, whip up the cooling, zesty cilantro lime dip by combining sour cream or Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, and salt in a separate bowl. Stir well and refrigerate until it’s time to serve. This dip is the perfect counterbalance to the spicy chicken skewers.
Step 3: Ready Your Skewers
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. Then thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, packing them snugly but without overcrowding. This ensures even cooking and a great char.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat, giving the grates a light brush with oil to prevent sticking. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. You’re aiming for a charred exterior that’s caramelized and smoky while the inside remains juicy and tender. Once cooked through, remove from heat and let them rest briefly before serving.
How to Serve Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Lime Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your presentation with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or thin slices of jalapeño for that extra kick. A few lime wedges on the side invite everyone to squeeze a little fresh citrus over their skewers, enhancing every bite with vibrant acidity.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair excellently with simple grilled vegetables, a refreshing cucumber salad, or even fluffy cilantro lime rice. The creamy dip also doubles as a sauce for veggies or chips, making it an all-around crowd-pleaser.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, lay the skewers over a bed of colorful mixed greens or sliced avocados. You can also serve them family-style on a wooden board, surrounded by small bowls of the cilantro lime dip, fresh salsas, and warm tortilla chips—perfect for dipping and sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or snacks.
Freezing
You can freeze the grilled chicken skewers by placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Frozen skewers last around 2 months and thaw quickly in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To keep your chicken juicy, reheat the skewers gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven wrapped in foil at 350°F. Avoid the microwave if possible to maintain that charred grilled texture. And don’t forget to serve again with plenty of that cilantro lime dip!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well; just be sure not to overcook them to keep the meat juicy since they’re leaner than thighs.
How spicy are the Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers?
The heat level is moderate but lively. Removing jalapeño seeds reduces spiciness, and you can always adjust by adding more honey to offset the kick.
Is it necessary to soak wooden skewers before grilling?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water prevents them from burning or catching fire on the grill, which helps keep your cooking smooth and safe.
Can I make the cilantro lime dip dairy-free?
Definitely! Swap out sour cream and mayonnaise for dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt and vegan mayo without sacrificing creaminess or flavor.
What if I don’t have a grill or grill pan?
No worries! You can bake the skewers in the oven at 425°F for 12–15 minutes or use an air fryer, turning halfway, for similar delicious results.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about the way Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Lime Dip Recipe blends bold flavors and juicy textures effortlessly. Whether you’re grilling for a get-together or spicing up a weeknight meal, these skewers bring excitement and warmth to your plate. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed, and it might just become your favorite new way to enjoy chicken!
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Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Lime Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Southwestern, American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These spicy honey jalapeño chicken skewers are sweet, smoky, and fiery with just the right amount of kick. Grilled to perfection and served with a cool, zesty cilantro lime dip, they’re perfect for parties, BBQs, or a bold weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- wooden or metal skewers
For the Cilantro Lime Dip
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp lime zest
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine honey, olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, finely chopped jalapeños, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to blend all the flavors.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat them evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
- Make the Cilantro Lime Dip: While the chicken marinates, mix sour cream or Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, and salt in a separate bowl. Adjust seasoning as needed and chill until ready to serve.
- Prepare the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers evenly.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side. Grill until the chicken is cooked through, with a nicely charred exterior and internal temperature reaching 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and serve hot with the chilled cilantro lime dip on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Add extra honey for a sweeter glaze or an extra jalapeño for more heat.
- These skewers also work well when cooked in the oven or air fryer.
- Can be prepped ahead of time and grilled just before serving for convenience.
