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- Chicken breast details: - 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes - Marinade ingredients: - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Vegetables needed: - 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces - 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces - 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces - Fresh cilantro, for garnish - Lime wedges, for serving When choosing chicken breast, look for fresh, firm pieces free of blemishes. The honey and lime juice create a sweet and tangy mix that brings out the best flavors. The spices add depth, making this dish not just tasty but also fragrant. The peppers and onion add color and crunch, balancing the juicy chicken. The marinade is key. It infuses the chicken with flavor and keeps it moist when grilling. I recommend using fresh lime juice for the best taste. The olive oil helps the spices stick to the chicken, creating a nice crust when grilled. This recipe is simple but full of flavor. You can easily adjust the spices based on your taste. Feel free to add more garlic or even some chili powder for heat. Enjoy getting creative with your skewers! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you will make the marinade. In a medium bowl, add the following ingredients: - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Next, whisk these ingredients together until they blend well. You want a smooth mix that smells great. Once you have the marinade ready, add the chicken cubes. Make sure each piece is coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and put it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it sit for up to 2 hours. This step gives the chicken more flavor. While the chicken marinates, it’s time to prepare the skewers. If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 10 minutes. This helps stop them from burning on the grill. You can skip this step if you use metal skewers. Once the skewers are ready, take the marinated chicken out. Now, thread the chicken cubes, red bell pepper pieces, green bell pepper pieces, and red onion pieces onto the skewers. Alternate the pieces as you go. This makes the skewers colorful and tasty. Before cooking, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This is key for getting nice grill marks and juicy chicken. When the grill is hot, place the skewers on it. Cook for about 12-15 minutes. Turn the skewers every few minutes to ensure even cooking. You know they are done when the chicken is cooked through and has lovely grill marks. Once finished, take them off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to settle, making the chicken even juicier. - Ideal marinating time: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For the best taste, let it soak for up to 2 hours. This gives the chicken time to absorb the sweet and tangy flavors. - Flavor enhancement techniques: Use fresh lime juice for a bright taste. Adding minced garlic brings a nice kick. You can also mix in fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to boost flavor. - How to achieve perfect grill marks: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and do not move them for the first few minutes. This helps to form those beautiful grill marks. - Ensuring chicken is cooked through: Grill the skewers for about 12-15 minutes. Make sure to turn them occasionally. Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. - Garnishes for presentation: Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill. Top with fresh cilantro for a pop of color. Serve with lime wedges for an extra zing. - Pairing suggestions: These skewers go great with rice or a fresh salad. A side of grilled corn or a cool yogurt dip can also complement the dish well. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for up to 2 hours to enhance the flavor profile, making it juicier and more delicious. Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for freshly squeezed lime juice and fresh garlic for the best taste and aroma in your skewers. Don't Overcrowd the Skewers: Ensure there's enough space between the chicken and vegetables on the skewers to allow even cooking and proper grill marks. Check Doneness with a Thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and perfect texture. {{image_2}} You can switch up proteins for more fun. Shrimp works great with this marinade. Tofu is an awesome choice for a vegetarian option. Both soak up the honey lime taste well. For veggies, try zucchini or mushrooms. They add a different texture and flavor. Feel free to get creative with what you have on hand. Want to change the flavor a bit? Add spices like chili powder for some heat. Fresh herbs like basil or mint can bring new life to the skewers. You can also adjust sweetness by using more or less honey. If you want a tangy kick, add lime zest. It really boosts the lime flavor. You don't have to grill these skewers. You can bake them in the oven too. Preheat your oven to 400°F and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes or until cooked through. Broiling is another option. Just keep a close eye on them so they don’t burn. Broil for about 8-10 minutes, turning halfway for even cooking. To keep your Honey Lime Chicken Skewers tasty, store leftovers properly. First, let them cool down to room temperature. Then, place the skewers in an airtight container. They last for about three to four days in the fridge. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each skewer tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay good in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, just thaw them overnight in the fridge. Reheating your skewers can be easy and quick. The best way is to use an oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them moist and prevents drying out. If you prefer using a microwave, you can do that too. Place the skewers on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, checking after each. Make sure they are hot all the way through before serving. Enjoying your leftovers should always feel like a special treat! Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, make sure to thaw it first. Thawing helps the chicken absorb the marinade better. It also ensures even cooking on the grill. How long do leftovers last? Leftovers can last in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down before sealing. What can I serve with honey lime chicken skewers? You can serve these skewers with rice, salad, or grilled veggies. They pair well with a light dipping sauce too. Try a yogurt-based sauce for a refreshing touch. Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill? Absolutely! A grill pan works well indoors. Just preheat it over medium-high heat. Your skewers will still get those nice grill marks and flavor. What's the best way to know when chicken is properly cooked? The best way is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest piece. The meat should be white with no pink. Can I make it spicy? Yes, you can add heat! Mix in some chili powder or cayenne pepper to the marinade. You can also add sliced jalapeños to the skewers for extra spice. What are alternative marinades I can use? You can try using teriyaki sauce or a soy sauce-based marinade. Citrus-based marinades, like orange or lemon, also work great. Get creative with herbs and spices to find your favorite flavor! You learned how to make delicious honey lime chicken skewers. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. Variations allow you to get creative when cooking. Soak skewers and evenly cook chicken for the best results. Store leftovers safely, and enjoy them later. Remember, you can adjust flavors or try new proteins. With these insights, your skewers will impress anyone. Happy grilling!

Honey Lime Chicken Skewers

Delicious grilled chicken skewers marinated in a sweet and tangy honey lime sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • to garnish Fresh cilantro
  • to serve Lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  • Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, ensuring it's all well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
  • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  • Meanwhile, soak wooden skewers in water for about 10 minutes to prevent burning (or use metal skewers).
  • Once marinated, thread the chicken, red and green bell pepper pieces, and red onion pieces alternately onto the skewers.
  • Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
  • Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
  • Serve the skewers garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours.
Keyword chicken, grill, honey, lime, skewers