Grilled Honey Lime Chicken

These grilled honey lime chicken skewers bring together a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that elevate a simple chicken dish. Marinated just long enough for the chicken to soak up the vibrant honey lime mixture, they cook quickly on the grill to achieve a golden, caramelized finish. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a summer barbecue, or to dress up your favorite salad.

I first made these during a lastminute cookout and was amazed at how quickly the chicken absorbed the marinade while still staying juicy. Now they’re a regular request at family gatherings.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: lean protein that grills beautifully when cut into chunks choose fresh, firm breasts
• Soy sauce: adds savory umami depth opt for low sodium if you prefer less salt
• Honey: lends natural sweetness and helps with caramelization on the grill use pure honey for best flavor
• Vegetable oil: helps marinade cling to chicken and prevents sticking on the grill neutral oils like canola or sunflower also work well
• Fresh lime juice: brings bright acidity and a zesty punch roll limes on the counter before juicing for more juice
• Sriracha sauce: optional for a subtle spicy kick adjust amount to taste or omit for mild flavor
• Garlic, minced: adds aromatic pungency and enhances overall flavor complexity
• Fresh cilantro: optional herbaceous note that complements lime beautifully look for bright green bunches with no wilting
• Skewers: metal ones are reusable and easy to handle but if using wooden skewers soak them in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent burning

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

In a small bowl combine freshly squeezed lime juice, soy sauce, honey, vegetable oil, minced garlic, sriracha sauce if using, and chopped cilantro. Stir thoroughly until the honey dissolves and all ingredients are well mixed.

Marinate the Chicken:

Add diced chicken breast pieces into the bowl with the marinade. Gently stir to ensure all the chicken is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate for at least one hour, ideally up to three to let flavors penetrate deeply.

Prepare the Skewers:

If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for a minimum of 15 minutes beforehand to avoid burning on the grill. Thread 8 to 9 pieces of marinated chicken onto each skewer, spacing them slightly to allow heat circulation.

Heat the Grill:

Preheat your grill to a medium heat to ensure even cooking without burning the exterior before the inside is done.

Cook the Chicken:

Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 7 to 8 minutes on each side. Turn carefully to avoid falling chicken pieces. Check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit or until juices run clear.

Serve and Enjoy:

Remove the cooked skewers from the grill. Serve immediately, garnished with extra lime wedges for squeezing over the top to enhance the citrus brightness.

Cilantro is one of my favorite ingredients in this dish—it adds such a fresh herbal brightness that lifts all the flavors. A memorable moment was the first time I served these on a family picnic where everyone reached for seconds after squeezing fresh lime over each skewer.

Storage Tips

Store leftover cooked chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to three days. Reheat gently on the grill or in a skillet to maintain juiciness. The marinade can be prepared in advance and stored separately for up to two days for a quick meal prep option.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have soy sauce try coconut aminos as a gluten-free alternative. Agave syrup or maple syrup make good substitutes for honey if you need a vegan option. For a milder heat, omit the sriracha or replace it with a touch of smoked paprika for smokiness without spice. You can swap out lime juice with lemon juice but the flavor will be a little less tropical and tangy.

Serving Suggestions

These skewers are fantastic over a bed of cilantro lime rice or paired with a crunchy Asian slaw for texture contrast. They also make great taco filling; add a drizzle of creamy avocado sauce and some pickled onions for a fun twist. A simple green salad with fresh herbs will help balance the sweetness and tangy flavors of the chicken.

These skewers are a fast, flavor-packed option for weeknights or gatherings. Marinate well and grill over medium heat for best results.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour and up to 3 hours to fully absorb the honey, lime, and soy flavors.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and remain juicy with the same marinade and grilling method.

→ Should wooden skewers be prepared before grilling?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.

→ What sides complement these chicken skewers?

Cilantro lime rice or Asian slaw pair beautifully with the sweet and tangy flavors of the chicken.

→ Can I adjust the spice level in this dish?

Yes, sriracha is optional; omit it for a milder taste or add more for extra heat.