Honey Lime Chicken Skewers

Name: Honey Lime Chicken Skewers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup lime juice; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Wooden or metal skewers

Highlighted under: Nourishing Comfort Meals

I absolutely love making Honey Lime Chicken Skewers for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends. The combination of sweet honey and tangy lime creates a mouthwatering marinade that infuses the chicken with incredible flavor. It's a simple dish that comes together in no time, and the skewers make for a visually appealing presentation. Plus, grilling adds that delicious smoky taste we all crave during the summer months. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it'll become a staple in your cooking rotation.

Created by

Sandra

Last updated on 2026-02-13T16:42:19.748Z

When I first concocted this recipe, I was striving for something both vibrant and delectable. Combining honey and lime felt like a gamble, but after the first taste, I knew I struck gold. Marinating the chicken allows it to absorb all the juicy flavors. I’ve made this dish countless times, and it has never failed to impress.

I love grilling them to give a slight char that enhances the overall flavor. Just a tip: soak your wooden skewers in water before grilling, so they don’t burn. It’s little tricks like these that make a big difference in the final dish!

Why You'll Love These Skewers
The balance of sweet and tangy makes every bite delightful.
Quick cooking time makes it perfect for busy evenings.
Great for parties - easy to serve and eat!

Choosing the Right Chicken

For the best results, opt for fresh boneless, skinless chicken breast, as it cooks quickly and absorbs marinades well. If you're in a pinch, you can use chicken thighs; they offer more flavor and moisture due to their higher fat content. However, be aware that thighs take slightly longer to cook through—use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

If you're looking to save time, consider buying pre-cut chicken cubes or ask your butcher to prepare them. This not only expedites your prep time but also ensures uniformity in size, which guarantees that all pieces cook evenly on the grill.

Mastering the Marinade

The honey-lime marinade is essential for infusing the chicken with flavor and tenderness. As the chicken marinates, the acidity from the lime juice breaks down muscle fibers, enhancing juiciness. A minimum of 30 minutes is crucial for the chicken to absorb the marinade, but for an even deeper flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours—just be cautious not to exceed that time, as the lime can start to 'cook' the chicken.

If you need a substitution for honey, agave nectar provides a similar sweetness without altering the flavor too much. For a zestier kick, a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes can be added to the marinade.

Grilling Techniques

When grilling the skewers, ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat, around 400°F. This temperature allows the chicken to sear quickly, locking in juices while developing those signature grill marks. If you're using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand; this prevents them from burning on the grill.

As the skewers cook, turn them occasionally to achieve even browning. Look for a golden exterior and an internal temperature of 165°F for perfectly cooked chicken. If the chicken begins to char too quickly, reduce the heat slightly and continue cooking until done.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Honey Lime Chicken Skewers

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup lime juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Wooden or metal skewers

Mix all ingredients well to create a flavorful marinade!

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.

Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat the Grill

Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

Skewer the Chicken

Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.

Grill the Skewers

Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.

Serve

Remove from the grill and serve hot, garnished with lime wedges if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Honey Lime Chicken Skewers!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, you can include vegetables like bell peppers or onions on the skewers. Serve with a side of rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

These Honey Lime Chicken Skewers can be enjoyed on their own or served alongside a variety of sides. A refreshing cucumber salad or cilantro lime rice pairs beautifully with the skewers and complements the sweet and tangy flavors. For a complete meal, consider adding grilled vegetables like bell peppers and onions, which can be threaded onto the same skewers for a colorful presentation.

Garnishing your dish with fresh lime wedges not only adds visual appeal but also allows guests to squeeze additional lime juice over the chicken for an extra burst of flavor. Don't forget a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro for added freshness!

Make-Ahead and Storage

These skewers are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld. Simply add the chicken to the marinade and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill. The marinated chicken can last for up to two days in the fridge, making it convenient for quick dinners.

If you have leftovers, cool the chicken skewers completely before storing them in the fridge. They will keep well for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm them on a grill or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, about 4-5 minutes. This will help maintain a nice texture without making them dry.

Variations to Try

Adding flavors to the marinade can create exciting variations. For an Asian twist, try incorporating soy sauce and ginger into the mix. Alternatively, for a smoky flavor, adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika can enhance the taste profile beautifully. If you enjoy heat, consider marinating with a touch of your favorite hot sauce or a chopped fresh chili.

Feel free to switch up the protein, as well. Shrimp or firm fish like salmon can be excellent alternatives, though adjust the cooking time accordingly; shrimp typically only need 3-4 minutes on the grill until pink and opaque, while fish fillets may take slightly longer. Experiment with different proteins to keep this recipe fresh and exciting!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of meat?

Absolutely! This marinade works wonderfully with shrimp, pork, or even tofu.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken a few hours ahead of grilling.

→ What can I serve with these skewers?

These skewers go great with a side of rice, a fresh salad, or grilled vegetables.