Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Lime Dip Recipe
If you love bold, vibrant flavors that brighten up any gathering, you are going to fall head over heels for this Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Lime Dip Recipe. The perfect harmony of sweet honey, spicy jalapeños, and smoky paprika beautifully coats tender chicken cubes, all grilled to juicy perfection. Paired with a zesty and creamy cilantro lime dip, every bite becomes a delightful explosion of taste that’s irresistibly fresh and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or simply craving something different for dinner, these skewers make for a crowd-pleasing, flavorful experience you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Great dishes start with great ingredients, and this recipe is no exception. The list is simple yet thoughtfully chosen to ensure a balance of spicy, sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors paired with fresh herbs for a perfect finish.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Using boneless, skinless cuts makes for juicy, easy-to-eat skewers with a tender texture.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps coat the chicken for even cooking and caramelization.
- Honey: Brings sweetness that contrasts beautifully against the heat of jalapeños.
- Jalapeños: Fresh and finely chopped, these provide the kick with adjustable heat depending on how many seeds you keep.
- Garlic: Adds a warm, aromatic depth.
- Lime juice: Infuses bright, citrusy notes that lighten the marinade and dip.
- Smoked paprika: Introduces a subtle smokiness complementing the grilled chicken flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all other flavors.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Forms the creamy base of the dip, balancing the spice.
- Mayonnaise: Gives the dip a luscious texture and extra tang.
- Fresh cilantro: Chopped finely to bring an herbaceous, refreshing burst.
- Lime zest: Adds a concentrated citrus aroma to elevate the dip.
How to Make Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Lime Dip Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Chicken
Start by mixing olive oil, honey, chopped jalapeños, minced garlic, lime juice, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. This marinade is where the magic begins—it coats every chicken cube with a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and smoky flavors. Toss the cubed chicken in this mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly covered, then cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, letting it marinate for up to two hours allows the flavors to deeply infuse into the meat.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cilantro Lime Dip
While the chicken is soaking up all that goodness, focus on the dip—it’s the perfect partner for the skewers. In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream or Greek yogurt with mayonnaise, chopped cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. This creamy, tangy sauce not only cools down the heat from the jalapeños but adds a fresh herbaceous contrast that makes every bite irresistible. Chill the dip until your skewers are ready to serve.
Step 3: Prepare the Skewers and Grill
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 to 30 minutes beforehand to avoid burning. When ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers with a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking. Grill for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and beautifully charred with grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F to guarantee safety and juiciness.
How to Serve Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Lime Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can elevate your presentation and flavor. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or a light dusting of smoked paprika over the finished skewers. A thin lime wedge on the side invites guests to add an extra zesty squeeze, brightening every mouthful.
Side Dishes
These skewers shine when paired with fluffy white rice or a vibrant summer salad for a balanced meal. Grilled corn on the cob or a refreshing cucumber salad also complement the smokiness and spice beautifully, making your plate as colorful as it is delicious.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve the skewers on a wooden board alongside small bowls of the cilantro lime dip and some extra lime wedges. You can also thread the chicken onto shorter skewers and place them atop mini tortillas with a drizzle of dip for a fun taco-style twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your feast, store any leftover cooked skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days and retain their lovely flavors, making for a convenient and tasty lunch or dinner option.
Freezing
If you want to keep these longer, freeze the cooked skewers by wrapping them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing much flavor or texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the skewers on a preheated grill or grill pan over low heat just until warmed through to avoid drying them out. Alternatively, reheat gently in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil, for about 10 minutes. Serve with freshly chilled cilantro lime dip to revive the dish’s freshness.
FAQs
Can I make the skewers spicy for guests who love heat?
Absolutely! Keep the jalapeño seeds in or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce into the marinade to ramp up the spice level without overpowering the dish.
What is the best type of chicken to use in this recipe?
Both boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs work wonderfully. Thighs tend to be juicier and a bit more forgiving on the grill, while breasts offer a leaner option.
Can I prepare this recipe without a grill?
Yes! Use a grill pan or even a broiler in your oven. Just keep an eye on the chicken so it doesn’t overcook and develops nice browning.
Is there a dairy-free option for the cilantro lime dip?
Definitely. Substitute the sour cream and mayonnaise with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt and vegan mayo to keep it creamy and flavorful.
How long can I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?
While 30 minutes is the minimum for good flavor, marinating for up to two hours deepens the taste dramatically. Avoid marinating much longer to prevent the lime juice from breaking down the chicken texture too much.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Lime Dip Recipe is a guaranteed winner whenever you want to wow your friends and family with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Its vibrant, balanced flavors and easy grilling method make it a personal favorite that never fails to impress. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be reaching for this recipe time and time again for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or anytime you crave a lively, delicious bite!
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Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Lime Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes (plus up to 2 hours marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers feature tender chunks of chicken marinated in a sweet and spicy honey-jalapeño glaze, perfectly grilled to develop smoky char marks. Served alongside a refreshing cilantro lime dip, they make a vibrant, flavorful appetizer or main dish perfect for BBQs, parties, or casual meals.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1–2 jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers
For the Cilantro Lime Dip:
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, honey, chopped jalapeños, minced garlic, lime juice, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create the marinade base.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken pieces to the marinade and toss well to ensure every piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor infusion.
- Make the Cilantro Lime Dip: While the chicken marinates, in a small bowl, whisk together sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, chopped cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, and salt. Chill the dip until ready to serve, allowing flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Skewers and Grill: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 to 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers evenly.
- Cook the Chicken Skewers: Place the skewers on the preheated grill, cooking for 10 to 12 minutes while turning occasionally. Grill until the chicken is cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F, and has appealing grill marks.
- Serve: Serve the chicken skewers hot, accompanied by the chilled cilantro lime dip on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Add a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for an extra kick of heat.
- These skewers are perfect for parties and BBQ gatherings.
- Serve over rice or salad for a more complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Southwestern, American
