Juicy grilled chicken skewers coated in a sticky, sweet, and spicy honey lime glaze make for an irresistible dish. Perfect for Father’s Day grilling, these skewers combine bold flavors with a delicious charred finish for a meal that is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors – A blend of sweet honey, zesty lime, and spicy sriracha creates the ultimate glaze.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a great choice for busy grilling days.
- Juicy & Tender – Using chicken thighs ensures moist, flavorful meat.
- Ideal for Outdoor Grilling – A fantastic recipe for BBQs, family gatherings, or summer cookouts.
- Customizable Heat Level – Adjust the spice to suit your preference.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
For the Spicy Honey Lime Glaze:
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or hot sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Directions
1. Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, toss the chicken chunks with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Let marinate for 15 minutes to enhance the flavor.
2. Prepare the Spicy Honey Lime Glaze
- In a small saucepan, whisk together honey, soy sauce, lime juice, sriracha, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
3. Preheat the Grill
- Heat the grill to medium-high (400°F / 200°C).
4. Thread & Grill the Skewers
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
5. Glaze & Serve
- In the last 2-3 minutes of grilling, brush the skewers generously with the spicy honey lime glaze.
- Remove from the grill, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Variations
- Extra Spicy – Increase the sriracha or add extra red pepper flakes.
- Mild Version – Reduce the spice by skipping the cayenne and using less sriracha.
- Oven-Baked Alternative – Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, broiling for the last few minutes.
- Vegetarian Option – Swap chicken for tofu or mushrooms, using the same marinade.
- Teriyaki Twist – Add 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to the glaze for a teriyaki-style flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating:
- Grill: Warm over low heat for a few minutes.
- Oven: Reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts, covering to retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs are juicier and more flavorful. If using chicken breast, be careful not to overcook.
What type of skewers should I use?
Use metal skewers or soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). The chicken should be firm and slightly charred.
Can I cook these on a stovetop?
Yes! Use a grill pan over medium-high heat, turning the skewers until fully cooked.
What side dishes pair well with these skewers?
Serve with grilled corn, rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh summer salad.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes! The glaze can be made 2-3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
What’s the best way to marinate the chicken for extra flavor?
Marinate for at least 15 minutes, but for deeper flavor, refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice is best for bright flavor, but bottled juice works in a pinch.
How do I make this recipe less sweet?
Reduce the honey and add a little more lime juice and soy sauce for a more balanced taste.
Can I add vegetables to the skewers?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, onions, or zucchini make great additions to the skewers.
Conclusion
These Spicy Honey Lime Chicken Skewers are the perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and spicy, making them a fantastic choice for Father’s Day grilling. Quick to prepare and packed with bold flavors, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next BBQ. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
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PrintSpicy Honey Lime Chicken Skewers
Juicy grilled chicken skewers coated in a sticky, sweet, and spicy honey lime glaze—an irresistible dish perfect for Father’s Day grilling!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, BBQ
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into chunks)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
For the Spicy Honey Lime Glaze:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or hot sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
- Make the Glaze: Meanwhile, whisk together honey, soy sauce, lime juice, sriracha, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat (400°F / 200°C).
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken chunks onto skewers.
- Grill the Skewers: Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
- Glaze & Finish: Brush the skewers with the spicy honey lime glaze in the last 2-3 minutes of grilling.
- Serve: Remove from the grill, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- Use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option.
- Let the chicken marinate for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- Serve with grilled vegetables or coconut rice for a complete meal.