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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Skewer Assembly: Thread marinated chicken evenly onto skewers, preparing for optimal grilling technique.
- 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.
- 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