Fresh & Zesty Tangy Honey Jalapeno Chicken Skewers Recipe

Grilling sizzles with excitement when you add tangy honey jalapeño chicken skewers to the menu.

Spicy meets sweet in this mouthwatering dish that promises to ignite your taste buds.

The jalapeños bring a perfect kick of heat balanced by golden honey’s rich sweetness.

Tender chicken pieces marinate in a vibrant blend of zesty ingredients, ensuring each bite bursts with flavor.

Fresh cilantro lime dip complements the skewers with a cool, refreshing contrast.

Summer barbecues or weeknight dinners will never be the same once you master these irresistible skewers.

The combination of bold spices and smooth marinades creates a culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Gear for Jalapeno Chicken Skewers & Lime Dip

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining marinade ingredients and coating chicken.
• Whisk: Essential for blending marinade smoothly and evenly.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping jalapenos and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Helps slice jalapenos and trim chicken pieces.
• Measuring spoons: Crucial for accurate seasoning amounts.
• Measuring cups: Ensures precise liquid measurements.
• Wooden or metal skewers: Required for threading chicken pieces.
• Grill or grill pan: Primary cooking surface for searing skewers.
• Tongs: Helpful for turning and handling skewers during grilling.

How to Make Jalapeno Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Dip

• Whip Up the Zesty Marinade

Blend together a mouthwatering mixture of sweet honey, tangy lime juice, rich olive oil, and savory soy sauce. Toss in minced garlic, smoky paprika, and fiery jalapenos to create an explosion of flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Bathe the Chicken in Flavor

Dive those chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring every inch gets coated with the spicy-sweet goodness. Let the meat soak up all those incredible flavors in the refrigerator, transforming from ordinary to extraordinary.

• Prepare for Grilling

Skewer the marinated chicken, threading the pieces carefully to create perfect bite-sized morsels. Get your grill blazing hot and ready for some serious sizzling action.

• Grill to Perfection

Place the skewers on the grill, cooking each side until they’re beautifully caramelized and cooked through. Watch for those gorgeous char marks that scream “delicious!”

• Craft the Cooling Cilantro Lime Dip

Whip up a quick, creamy dip by mixing fresh cilantro, zesty lime juice, and a creamy base. This cool companion will balance the skewers’ fiery personality.

• Serve and Devour

Plate those stunning skewers, drizzle with extra marinade if desired, and serve alongside the cilantro lime dip. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Tips to Balance Heat & Flavor in These Skewers

• Let chicken soak in the spicy honey marinade for at least 30 minutes to maximize flavor absorption and tenderness.
• Adjust cayenne pepper and jalapeno amounts to match your personal spice tolerance, from mild to blazing hot.
• Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and oil grates to prevent chicken from sticking and ensure beautiful char marks.
• Replace honey with sugar-free honey alternative or use a keto-friendly sweetener to make the recipe diabetic and low-carb friendly.
• Swap chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or large chunks of portobello mushrooms for a plant-based version of these delicious skewers.

Best Ways to Serve Jalapeno Skewers & Dip

• Flavor Fusion Platter: Arrange skewers on a large wooden board with extra cilantro lime dip, sprinkled with fresh chopped cilantro and lime wedges for a vibrant, restaurant-style presentation.
• Backyard Barbecue Companion: Serve alongside grilled corn, Mexican-style street rice, or crisp summer salad to create a complete meal that balances the spicy-sweet chicken skewers.
• Appetizer Party Spread: Cut chicken into smaller bite-sized pieces, use shorter skewers, and offer as a crowd-pleasing finger food during game nights or casual gatherings with friends.
• Game Day Dipping Station: Set up a fun dipping area with extra cilantro lime sauce, additional hot sauces, and cool ranch dressing to let guests customize their flavor experience.

How to Store Jalapeno Chicken Skewers & Dip

• Marinate chicken in the refrigerator for maximum flavor absorption, ensuring the spicy honey mixture deeply penetrates the meat for a more intense taste experience.
• After preparing skewers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container to keep in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling.
• Store cooked chicken skewers in sealed containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Freeze uncooked marinated chicken skewers in flat, sealed freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking for best results and food safety.

FAQs

• What makes the marinade so flavorful?

The combination of honey’s sweetness, soy sauce’s umami, lime juice’s tanginess, and spices like smoked paprika and garlic powder creates a complex and bold flavor profile that perfectly coats the chicken.

• Can I use a different type of pepper instead of jalapenos?

Yes, you can substitute jalapenos with serrano peppers for more heat or bell peppers for a milder version. Just adjust the quantity based on your spice tolerance.

• Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for the full 4 hours?

No, a minimum of 30 minutes is sufficient to infuse the chicken with flavor, but longer marination (up to 4 hours) will result in more intense taste and tenderness.

• How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked on the skewers?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it’s safe to eat while remaining juicy and flavorful.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 4

Spicy Honey Jalapeno Chicken Skewers Ingredient List

• Honey: Natural sweetener that balances spicy kick and helps caramelize chicken.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and keeps chicken moist during cooking.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth of umami and helps tenderize the meat.
• Lime Juice: Brightens flavors and helps break down chicken proteins.
• Smoked Paprika: Provides rich, smoky undertone with mild heat.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated garlic flavor without raw garlic chunks.
• Jalapenos: Brings fresh, vibrant heat and authentic spicy character.
• Cayenne Pepper: Optional intense heat booster for spice lovers.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and seasons chicken.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and traditional seasoning touch.

• Chicken: Lean protein that absorbs marinade beautifully, ideal for grilling.

• Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds bright, herbal notes.
• Lime: Provides zesty, tangy complement to spicy chicken.
• Additional ingredients for dip will be mentioned in recipe instructions.

Tangy Honey Jalapeno Chicken Skewers With Cilantro Lime Dip Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Spicy Honey Jalapeno Chicken Skewers blend sweet heat with zesty cilantro lime dip for an unforgettable Mexican-inspired meal. Grilled skewers deliver complex flavors that will satisfy keen palates seeking bold culinary experiences.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 lbs (700 g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 12 jalapenos, finely chopped
• 3 tbsps honey
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps soy sauce
• 2 tbsps lime juice
• 2 tsps smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Pepper
• Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if grilling)
• ½ cup (120 g) Greek yogurt or sour cream
• ¼ cup (10 g) fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt
• Pepper

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Instructions

1. Marinade Creation: Whisk honey, olive oil, soy sauce, and lime juice into a vibrant, tangy liquid base, blending smoked paprika, garlic powder, jalapenos, and cayenne pepper for a complex, spicy flavor profile.
2. Chicken Preparation: Thoroughly coat chicken pieces in the marinade, massaging to ensure complete coverage, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to 3 hours to allow flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat.
3. Skewer Assembly: Thread marinated chicken evenly onto skewers, preparing for optimal grilling technique.
4. Grilling Process: Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high, cooking skewers 4-5 minutes per side to achieve caramelized edges and ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature while maintaining juicy texture.
5. Resting and Serving: Allow skewers to rest briefly, then plate with a zesty cilantro lime dip, presenting a harmonious blend of spicy-sweet flavors that tantalize the palate.

Notes

• Marinate Strategically: Let chicken soak in marinade for 2-3 hours to maximize flavor absorption and meat tenderness, avoiding over-marinating which can break down protein texture.
• Control Spice Levels: Adjust jalapeno and cayenne quantities to match personal heat tolerance, removing seeds for milder flavor or adding extra for intense spiciness.
• Prevent Skewer Burning: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent charring and potential flame flare-ups during cooking.
• Grill with Precision: Use meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature, guaranteeing safe consumption while maintaining juicy, flavorful results.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg