Hello there, fellow food lovers! My name is Yasin Al-Musawi and I’m thrilled to share a recipe that will truly impress your guests at any summer BBQ. These Grilled Honey Lime Chicken Skewers are the perfect combination of sweet and tangy, with juicy and succulent chicken that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). Trust me when I say that this dish will elevate your BBQ to the next level.
Yasin was born and raised in the heart of Baghdad, Iraq. His interest in cooking started at an early age, as he spent countless hours watching his mother prepare traditional Iraqi meals. Yasin’s passion for food led him to pursue a career in culinary arts, and he now works as a restaurant consultant and food blogger.
Yasin Al-Musawi currently resides in the United States and grew up in Iraq.
As someone who grew up in Iraq, I have a deep appreciation for cuisine that is bursting with vibrant flavors and spices. The recipe for these Grilled Honey Lime Chicken Skewers holds a special place in my heart because it was inspired by my mother’s traditional Iraqi cooking. The combination of sweet honey, tangy lime and punchy garlic creates a flavor profile that is truly reminiscent of Iraqi cuisine. I’m excited to share this dish with you and hope you love it as much as I do.
While the origins of this recipe may be unclear, it’s clear to me that it’s a flavor combination that works beautifully. I love experimenting with different marinades and spices, and this recipe is a testament to that. Through trial and error, I discovered that chicken thighs are the perfect cut of meat for this dish – they are naturally juicy and rich in flavor, making them the perfect vehicle for the sweet and tangy marinade. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a novice cook, these Grilled Honey Lime Chicken Skewers are a must-try dish that is sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.
What you need
Looking for the perfect dish to impress your guests at your Memorial Day BBQ? Look no further than these Grilled Honey Lime Chicken Skewers! These juicy, succulent chicken bites are marinated in a sweet and tangy honey-lime mixture and then skewered and grilled to perfection. The star of the show is undoubtedly the boneless, skinless chicken thighs – an underrated cut of poultry that is naturally juicy and rich in flavor. The garlic in the marinade adds a subtle hint of spiciness, while the lime balances out the sweetness, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The recipe is incredibly easy to make – simply whisk together the marinade, toss with the chicken, skewer, and grill. Serve with some grilled vegetables or a side salad for a complete meal that is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Perfect for any outdoor gathering, these Grilled Honey Lime Chicken Skewers are a must-try recipe that will have your guests coming back for more!
Ingredients:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs – The star of the recipe, the chicken thighs are cut into bite-sized pieces and marinated in a honey-lime mixture. Though chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness, chicken breasts can be swapped for those who prefer white meat.
- Honey – Honey lends a natural sweetness to the marinade, and its sticky texture helps it adhere to the chicken. Maple syrup or brown sugar can be substituted for honey if desired.
- Lime Juice – The acidity of the lime juice helps to tenderize the chicken and balance out the sweetness of the honey. Freshly squeezed lime juice is recommended for optimal flavor.
- Garlic cloves – Minced garlic adds depth of flavor and a subtle hint of spiciness to the marinade. Garlic powder or onion powder can be substituted if fresh garlic is not readily available.
- Soy Sauce – Soy sauce provides saltiness and umami to the marinade. Tamari or coconut aminos can be used instead of soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free.
- Olive oil – Olive oil helps to keep the chicken moist and succulent on the grill. Vegetable oil or avocado oil can be substituted if preferred.
- Salt – Salt enhances the flavors in the marinade and helps to tenderize the chicken. If the soy sauce used in the recipe is salty, the amount of salt can be adjusted accordingly.
- Black Pepper – Ground black pepper adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor to the marinade. Freshly cracked black pepper is recommended for optimal flavor.
- Skewers – Skewers are used to thread the marinated chicken pieces, making them easy to turn on the grill. Wooden skewers should be soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Lime Wedges – Lime wedges are used as a garnish on the serving platter to add a pop of color and brightness. They can also be squeezed over the grilled chicken for additional flavor.
Utensils:
- Grill
- Grill Brush – Optional, but recommended to clean the grill grates before cooking.
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Chef’s Knife – To cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Cutting Board
- Skewers – If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken.
- Basting Brush – Optional, but can be used to brush the chicken with any remaining marinade while grilling.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: The Juiciest Cut of Chicken
Chicken thighs are the most underrated cut of poultry, in my opinion. They have a richer, more complex flavor than chicken breasts, and the dark meat is naturally juicier thanks to its higher fat content. Plus, because they’re boneless and skinless, they’re incredibly easy to work with – no need to worry about trimming or deboning. The use of chicken thighs in this recipe ensures that the chicken stays moist and succulent on the grill, making for a more flavorful and enjoyable eating experience. And if you’re worried about the fat content, fear not – the honey lime marinade balances out the richness with tangy sweetness, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
Garlic Cloves: The Flavor Powerhouse
Garlic is one of my all-time favorite ingredients to work with, for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it packs an incredible amount of flavor into a small package, adding depth and complexity to almost any dish. In this recipe, the minced garlic cloves add a subtle hint of spiciness to the honey lime marinade, providing a nice counterbalance to the sweetness of the honey. And while garlic is often associated with Italian or French cuisine, it’s actually incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide range of flavors and cuisines. Plus, it’s incredibly good for you – garlic has been proven to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease, among other health benefits. So, not only does it taste great, it’s good for you too – what more could you want in an ingredient?
What to serve it with?
If you’re serving these Grilled Honey Lime Chicken Skewers, I highly recommend pairing them with a crisp green salad or some grilled vegetables. As someone who loves to experiment with flavors, I find that the freshness of a salad or veggies makes the perfect complement to the rich chicken and tangy marinade. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate some healthy greens into your meal. Feel free to get creative with your sides – the sky’s the limit!
Summary
As I wrap up this post, I want to thank you for taking the time to read about my Grilled Honey Lime Chicken Skewers recipe. I hope that you are excited to give it a try and share it with your loved ones. If you do try it out, please let me know in the comments how it turned out for you! I’d love to hear about any modifications or additions you made to the recipe. As always, happy cooking!
Here’s the recipe:
Grilled Honey Lime Chicken Skewers: Flavorful Delights for Memorial Day BBQ
Equipment
- Grill
- Grill Brush
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- chef's knife
- cutting board
- Skewers
- Basting Brush
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs
- 1/4 cup Honey
- 1/4 cup Lime Juice
- 3 Garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 8-10 Skewers
- For Garnish Lime Wedges
Instructions
- Make the marinade - In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Prepare the chicken - Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and add to the mixing bowl with the marinade. Toss to coat chicken evenly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to develop. - Be sure to cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. You can also use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs if you prefer white meat.
- Preheat the grill - Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F).
- Thread the chicken onto skewers - Remove chicken from the marinade and discard the excess marinade. Thread the chicken onto skewers, leaving a small amount of space between each piece of chicken. - If using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Grill the chicken skewers - Arrange chicken skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 8-10 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges. - Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F.
- Garnish and Serve - Transfer chicken skewers to a serving platter and garnish with lime wedges. Serve hot and enjoy! - Consider serving the chicken skewers with a side salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
