Grilled Honey Lime Chicken

Grilled Honey Lime Chicken Skewers bring together sweet and tangy flavors in a simple and satisfying way. The marinade infuses juicy chicken pieces with honey's natural sweetness and bright lime zest, making these skewers perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual cookout. With just a handful of ingredients, the chicken grills to a golden finish that pairs beautifully with fresh lime wedges or a zesty side.

The first time I grilled these, the combination of honey and lime was a revelation. Now, they are a go to when I want something flavorful without fuss, and my friends always ask for the recipe.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: lean and easy to cut into skewers, choose fresh and firm chicken for best texture
• Soy sauce: adds an umami depth and salt balance, look for low sodium if watching salt intake
• Honey: provides natural sweetness and caramelizes on the grill, opt for raw or local honey when possible for richer flavor
• Vegetable oil: helps keep the chicken moist during grilling, any neutral oil will work
• Fresh lime juice: vital for that bright citrus zing, always use freshly squeezed for best taste
• Sriracha sauce: optional, for a subtle kick of heat, feel free to omit if you prefer milder flavors
• Minced garlic: builds aromatic complexity, fresh garlic works best over pre minced jars
• Cilantro: adds fresh herbaceous notes, pick vibrant green bunches without yellowing leaves
• Skewers: metal or wooden, soak wooden skewers for at least 15 minutes to prevent burning

Instructions

Spoon Together the Marinade:

In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, honey, oil, lime juice, Sriracha, garlic and chopped cilantro. Take your time to blend so the honey dissolves evenly and the flavors marry well.

Submerge Chicken in Flavor:

Add diced chicken pieces into the marinade and gently stir until each piece is coated thoroughly. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent odors mixing in and place in the refrigerator.

Marinate with Patience:

Let the chicken soak in the flavors for at least one hour but no more than three to avoid texture changes from the acid in lime juice. This window creates tender, flavorful bites.

Skewer the Meat:

Thread about eight to nine pieces of chicken evenly onto each skewer, spacing slightly to ensure even cooking. If you are using wooden skewers, make sure they have soaked in water beforehand to avoid flare ups on the grill.

Heat the Grill:

Preheat your grill to medium heat so it is ready when the chicken goes on. Heating to approximately 350 degrees Fahrenheit ensures a perfect sear and cooked through center without charring.

Grill with Care:

Place the skewers on the grill and cook for seven to eight minutes per side. Flip carefully using tongs and check doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Enjoy Warm with a Twist:

Serve immediately with extra lime wedges to squeeze over the top, adding a fresh pop of citrus brightness.

Cilantro is my favorite part of this recipe because it adds a fresh contrast to the honey's sweetness. I remember making these for a summer BBQ with family, and the kids loved squeezing fresh lime juice on top turns out the little touch of tartness made everyone ask for seconds.

Storage Tips

Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the grill or in a pan to retain juiciness without drying out the chicken. If you want to freeze, remove chicken from skewers and freeze in a sealed bag for up to two months.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer a juicier slightly fattier bite. Replace soy sauce with tamari for gluten free. Use agave syrup instead of honey for a vegan friendly version. Omit Sriracha or substitute with a milder hot sauce if heat is a concern.

Serving Suggestions

These skewers pair wonderfully with cilantro lime rice or a crunchy Asian slaw to balance sweetness with crisp freshness. Also great inside warm tortillas with avocado and pickled onions for chicken tacos that get rave reviews.

These skewers are an easy crowd pleaser that come together quickly. Try them with cilantro lime rice or in tacos for a fresh and satisfying meal.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How long should I marinate the chicken for best flavor?

Marinating the chicken for at least 1 hour up to 3 hours allows the honey, lime, and spices to fully infuse the meat, resulting in tender and flavorful skewers.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well for this dish and offer a juicier, richer flavor when grilled with the honey lime marinade.

→ What can substitute honey in the marinade?

You can replace honey with agave syrup or maple syrup for a similar sweetness with a slight flavor variation.

→ How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning on the grill?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 15 minutes before threading the chicken; this keeps them moist and reduces the risk of burning.

→ Is it necessary to add cilantro in the marinade?

Cilantro adds fresh herbaceous notes but is optional; you can omit it if you prefer a milder flavor profile.