Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Lime Dip offer a vibrant mix of sweet, spicy, smoky, and citrusy notes—all in one satisfying bite. This dish is perfect for warm-weather gatherings, but I’ve made it in colder months using a grill pan, and it still delivers beautifully. The marinade balances honey’s natural sweetness with jalapeño heat, while the chicken stays tender and juicy as it cooks. What truly elevates this recipe is the cooling dip; the cilantro and lime cut through the richness while complementing the spice. I once tested the dip with Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and it created an unexpectedly tangy, refreshing result that worked wonderfully. Whether you’re preparing a casual dinner or an appetizer for guests, these skewers feel festive, colorful, and intriguing without requiring complicated steps. They bring just enough kick to keep things exciting while remaining family-friendly with simple adjustments.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe offers an irresistible balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors with minimal preparation time. The skewers cook quickly, the dip comes together effortlessly, and the whole dish can be customized easily depending on your spice preferences or available ingredients.
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Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Lime Dip: A Sweet-Heat Grilled Favorite
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Juicy grilled chicken skewers coated in a sweet–spicy honey jalapeño glaze and served with a refreshing cilantro lime dipping sauce.
Ingredients
-
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 jalapeños, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp butter
Cilantro Lime Dip:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Soak wooden skewers in water for 10 minutes if using.
- Season chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Thread onto skewers.
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, butter, lime juice, and sliced jalapeños. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Grill chicken skewers for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through.
- Brush skewers generously with the spicy honey jalapeño glaze during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- For the dip, mix Greek yogurt, cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, and salt until smooth.
- Serve hot chicken skewers with the cilantro lime dip on the side.
Notes
- Adjust jalapeño quantity based on preferred heat level.
- Marinate chicken for 30 minutes for deeper flavor.
- Substitute chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grill
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken
The chicken serves as the protein base, absorbing the marinade well and staying tender when grilled. Boneless chicken thighs offer extra juiciness, though breasts work just as well for a leaner version.
Honey
The honey brings natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. As it heats, it creates a delightful glaze that pairs perfectly with the jalapeño’s heat.
Jalapeños
Fresh jalapeños introduce the spicy backbone of the dish. They blend into the marinade to create depth, and you can adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
Garlic
The garlic adds warmth and savoriness to the marinade, ensuring the flavor penetrates the chicken deeply. Its aromatic quality pairs seamlessly with honey and lime.
Lime Juice
Fresh lime juice brightens the marinade, preventing the dish from tasting overly sweet. It also tenderizes the chicken as it soaks.
Olive Oil
A splash of olive oil helps loosen the marinade and encourages even grilling. It ensures the chicken doesn’t stick to the skewers or grill surface.
Cilantro
The cilantro adds herbaceous freshness to the dip and garnish. It livens up each bite, balancing the sweet heat of the skewers.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
The sour cream or Greek yogurt forms the creamy base of the cilantro lime dip. Either one delivers a cooling contrast to the grilled chicken.
Salt and Pepper
Both salt and pepper enhance all components, ensuring balance in the marinade and dip.
Directions
Begin by preparing the marinade: whisk together honey, sliced jalapeños, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cut the chicken into even pieces so they cook uniformly, then coat thoroughly in the marinade. Allow the chicken to rest for at least 30 minutes so the flavors develop; for deeper infusion, refrigerate it for a couple of hours.
While the chicken marinates, prepare the cilantro lime dip. Blend or whisk the sour cream or Greek yogurt with chopped cilantro, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the acidity or seasoning as needed. Refrigerate the dip until serving to help the flavors meld.
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, making sure they are snug but not pressed tightly. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a thin layer of oil if needed, then cook the skewers for about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally. The honey will caramelize, giving the chicken a beautiful char, so monitor closely to avoid burning. Once cooked through, let the skewers rest briefly so the juices redistribute. Serve with the chilled cilantro lime dip and a squeeze of fresh lime.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
Serves 4 people as a main dish or 6 as an appetizer.
Prep time: 20 minutes (plus marinating)
Marinating time: 30 minutes to 2 hours
Cooking time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: approximately 1 hour
Storage/reheating
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 325°F until warmed through. The dip can be stored separately for up to 2 days; give it a quick stir before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Mild Honey Chicken Skewers
Reduce or remove jalapeños for a sweeter, kid-friendly version.
Extra-Spicy Fire Skewers
Add crushed red pepper, serrano peppers, or a dash of hot sauce to intensify the heat.
Pineapple Honey Chicken
Add fresh pineapple chunks to the skewers for a tropical twist and caramelized sweetness.
Smoky Chipotle Version
Introduce chipotle in adobo to add smokiness and a deeper, earthy heat.
Coconut Lime Skewers
Swap part of the olive oil with coconut milk to create a creamy, aromatic marinade.
Herb-Loaded Variation
Add fresh basil, parsley, or mint to brighten the marinade and dip even more.
Lemon-Garlic Alternative
Use lemon in place of lime for a sharper, zestier flavor profile.
Sweet Maple Jalapeño Skewers
Replace honey with maple syrup for a different depth of sweetness.
Yogurt-Marinated Chicken
Marinate the chicken in yogurt to tenderize it and create a tangier result.
Grilled Vegetable Add-On
Include bell peppers, onions, or zucchini on the skewers for added texture and color.
FAQs
How spicy are these skewers?
They offer moderate heat, but you can adjust jalapeño levels to your preference.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs stay exceptionally juicy and work beautifully.
Can I bake the skewers instead of grilling?
Yes, bake at 425°F for 15–18 minutes, turning once.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers?
If using wooden skewers, soak them for 20–30 minutes to prevent burning.
Can I make the dip ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better after resting in the refrigerator.
Can I grill these on an indoor grill pan?
Absolutely; it works perfectly with only slight charring.
How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Avoid overcooking and cut the chicken pieces evenly for uniform grilling.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh is best, but bottled works in a pinch.
What can I serve alongside the skewers?
Rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad all pair well.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes, freeze it in the marinade for up to 2 months, then thaw before grilling.
Conclusion
Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Lime Dip bring together bold flavors in a simple, approachable way. With their enticing blend of sweet heat, charred edges, and cooling citrus-herb dip, these skewers feel both casual and special. They are ideal for weeknight dinners, outdoor gatherings, or meal prep, and they offer enough versatility to suit a wide range of tastes. Whether you enjoy them exactly as written or explore your own custom variations, this recipe delivers consistently satisfying results.
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