Sizzling Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Lime Dip Recipe

Weeknight dinners just got more exciting with these spicy honey jalapeño chicken skewers that promise a flavor explosion.

My kitchen constantly craves bold, unexpected combinations that wake up taste buds.

Tender chicken pieces marinate in a sweet-heat blend that tingles every sense.

Jalapeños bring a punchy kick while honey smooths out the intense spiciness.

Fresh cilantro lime dip provides a cool, zesty counterpoint to the warm, grilled meat.

These skewers work perfectly for casual gatherings or when you want something beyond ordinary chicken recipes.

Each bite delivers a remarkable balance of heat, sweetness, and herbal brightness that’ll make your meal memorable.

Dive into this recipe and let your grill become the star of tonight’s dinner.

Tips for Balanced Spice and Juicy Meat

• Marinate Smartly: Let chicken soak in the spicy honey mixture for at least 30 minutes to maximize flavor penetration, but avoid exceeding 4 hours to prevent meat from becoming mushy.
• Manage Jalapeno Heat: Remove seeds and membranes from peppers to reduce spiciness, or keep them for an extra kick depending on your heat tolerance.
• Soak Wooden Skewers: Prevent burning by soaking wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading chicken to ensure even grilling without charring.
• Control Grill Temperature: Cook chicken skewers over medium-high heat, turning occasionally to achieve beautiful char marks and prevent burning while maintaining juicy interior.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on personal preference, adding more for intense heat or reducing for milder flavor profile.

How to Reheat Chicken Skewers Without Drying Out

• Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place skewers on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
• Place skewers on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking. Drizzle extra honey for moisture.
• Always ensure chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F when reheating to prevent foodborne illness.

What Goes Best with This Bold Skewer Recipe

• Pair these spicy skewers with a crisp, cold Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or Pacifico to cool down the heat while complementing the zesty marinade.
• Serve a bright, tangy white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling to balance the skewers' spicy-sweet profile and cut through the richness.
• Create a creamy side of Mexican street corn (elote) with cotija cheese and lime to provide a cool, smooth counterpoint to the fiery chicken skewers.
• Mix a refreshing non-alcoholic drink with cucumber, lime, and a touch of honey to mirror the recipe's flavor notes and offer a cooling sensation.

Spicy Skewer Variations You Should Try

• Vegetarian Alternative: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, marinating in the same spicy honey mixture for a plant-based protein option.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to ensure the recipe remains gluten-free without compromising flavor.
• Low-Carb Version: Substitute honey with a sugar-free honey alternative or monk fruit syrup to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the sweet and spicy profile.
• Grilling Substitute: For those without a grill, bake skewers in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes or use a stovetop grill pan for similar caramelized results.

Why Spicy Honey Chicken Skewers Are a Griller’s Dream

• Combines sweet honey, zesty lime, and spicy jalapenos for a mouthwatering taste adventure that tantalizes every taste bud.
• Marinates in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect last-minute dinner solution for busy families craving something exciting and delicious.
• Simple skewer preparation allows for easy outdoor cooking, perfect for summer gatherings, backyard barbecues, and casual entertaining.
• Adjust cayenne pepper to personalize spiciness, making it adaptable for both mild and heat-loving palates, ensuring everyone enjoys the meal.

What You’ll Need for Skewers with Sweet Heat

• Honey: Sweet base that helps caramelize the chicken and balance spicy heat.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and keeps chicken moist during cooking.
• Soy Sauce: Provides deep umami and saltiness to the marinade.
• Lime Juice: Adds bright acidity and tenderizes the meat.

• Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky depth and rich color to the marinade.
• Garlic Powder: Provides consistent garlic flavor throughout the chicken.
• Cayenne Pepper: Optional ingredient for extra heat and spiciness.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance overall flavor profile.

• Chicken: Lean protein that absorbs marinade flavors well. Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for best results.
• Jalapenos: Fresh peppers that add direct spicy kick and green freshness to the dish. Select firm, bright green peppers for maximum heat and flavor.

How to Make Jalapeño Chicken Skewers at Home

Step 1: Craft Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Honey
• Olive oil
• Soy sauce
• Fresh lime juice
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Finely chopped jalapeños
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend ingredients until smooth and well-combined, creating a vibrant and tangy marinade that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Slice chicken into even, bite-sized pieces. Gently fold chicken into the marinade, ensuring each piece is completely coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Let the chicken soak up all the incredible flavors for a minimum of 30 minutes, or for maximum flavor intensity, marinate up to 4 hours.

Step 3: Prepare Cilantro Lime Dip

• Fresh cilantro
• Sour cream
• Lime zest
• Lime juice
• Salt
• Cracked black pepper

Whisk until ingredients are thoroughly blended, creating a cool and tangy dipping sauce.

Step 4: Skewer and Grill

Thread marinated chicken pieces onto metal or soaked wooden skewers. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and beautiful char marks.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange hot skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle with extra honey if desired. Serve immediately with the cilantro lime dip on the side. Perfect for summer gatherings, game nights, or a delicious weeknight dinner.

Spicy Honey Jalapeno Chicken Skewers With Cilantro Lime Dip Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers bring fiery Mexican-inspired flavors to your dinner table. Zesty cilantro lime dip completes this irresistible grilled dish that you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (700 grams) chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Marinade and Spices:

• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 12 jalapenos, finely chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Pepper
• Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if grilling)

Cilantro Lime Dip:

• 0.5 cup (120 grams) Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 0.25 cup (10 grams) fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt
• Pepper

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by blending honey, olive oil, soy sauce, and lime juice into a harmonious liquid base, creating a foundation of sweet and tangy flavors.
2. Incorporate smoked paprika, garlic powder, finely chopped jalapenos, and a hint of cayenne pepper to infuse the marinade with a complex, spicy profile.
3. Season the marinade with salt and pepper, whisking thoroughly to ensure all spices are evenly distributed and fully integrated.
4. Submerge chicken pieces into the marinade, gently massaging the liquid to ensure each morsel is completely coated with the zesty mixture.
5. Cover the marinating chicken and refrigerate, allowing the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat for a minimum of 30 minutes, with optimal results achieved after 2-3 hours.
6. When ready to cook, thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, spacing the pieces evenly to promote uniform grilling.
7. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, creating ideal conditions for achieving caramelized edges and succulent interior.
8. Grill skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, rotating to ensure even charring and cooking chicken to a safe internal temperature.
9. Remove skewers from heat and let rest briefly, allowing juices to redistribute and maintain maximum tenderness.
10. Serve hot, accompanied by a refreshing cilantro lime dip that complements the skewers’ spicy-sweet flavor profile.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for maximum flavor absorption, ideally closer to 4 hours to let spices deeply penetrate the meat.
• Remove jalapeno seeds for milder heat, keeping membrane for those who love extra spiciness.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and potential fire hazards.
• Balance the heat by adjusting cayenne pepper quantity based on personal spice tolerance, ensuring everyone can enjoy the dish.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg