Description
These Ginger Honey Lime Chicken Skewers are a vibrant and flavorful grilled dish featuring juicy chicken thighs marinated in a zesty blend of honey, lime, ginger, garlic, and a touch of spice. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer barbecue, these skewers deliver a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for an extra burst of freshness.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
Marinade
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons ginger, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 3/4 teaspoon white pepper or black pepper, finely ground
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 - 1 teaspoon chili oil or Sriracha (optional)
For Serving
- 1 wedged lime, to garnish
- 1-2 tablespoons cilantro, to garnish
Instructions
- Cut the chicken: Cut the chicken into 1 to 1.5-inch cubes and place them in a shallow container for marinating.
- Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together honey, soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, finely chopped garlic and ginger, turmeric, salt, pepper, and optional chili oil or Sriracha to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Pour the marinade over the chicken cubes, reserving 1/4 cup of marinade for basting later. Make sure the chicken is fully submerged and coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 6 hours for best flavor absorption.
- Soak the skewers: While the chicken marinates, soak wooden skewers in water to prevent them from burning during grilling.
- Thread the chicken: Remove chicken from marinade and thread the pieces onto the soaked skewers. Discard the used marinade that the chicken was soaking in.
- Grill the skewers: Preheat a grill over medium heat to approximately 375°F. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, until grill marks form and the chicken is cooked through. Occasionally baste with the reserved marinade to enhance flavor and moisture. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Garnish and serve: Remove skewers from the grill, top with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges. These skewers pair beautifully with white rice, a fresh salad, or can be enjoyed directly from the skewer.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful skewers; breasts can be used for a leaner option.
- Marinating for longer than 6 hours is not recommended as the acidity in the lime juice can start to break down the chicken texture.
- Soaking wooden skewers is essential to prevent burning on the grill.
- Adjust the amount of chili oil or Sriracha to control the spice level.
- For indoor cooking, you can grill the skewers on a stovetop grill pan or broil them in the oven.
