Experience a delightful twist to your regular chicken skewers with this Honey, Lime and Sriracha Chicken Skewers recipe! It is a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy that is sure to leave your taste buds tantalized. The magic lies in the marination, where each chicken piece soaks up the flavors before being perfectly grilled.
While most ingredients for this recipe are likely to be in your kitchen, you might need to pick up fresh ginger, lime, cilantro, and Sriracha sauce from the supermarket. Ginger brings a hint of warmth and spice, complementing the sweetness of honey and tanginess of lime. Sriracha gives a spicy kick to balance the flavors, and cilantro provides a refreshing touch. Don't forget to grab some chicken thighs, they work best for this recipe.
Ingredients for Honey, Lime and Sriracha Chicken Skewers
soy sauce: Adds a savory, umami flavor to the marinade.
honey: Gives a delightful sweetness that balances the heat of the Sriracha.
vegetable oil: Used for blending the marinade and also for greasing the grill.
lime zest and juice: Provides a vibrant tanginess that lifts the flavors.
garlic: Adds a distinctive aroma and flavor.
fresh ginger: Imparts a warm, spicy note.
sriracha sauce: Brings spicy heat to the dish.
salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the marinade.
chicken thighs: A juicy, flavorful cut of chicken, perfect for grilling.
cilantro: A fresh herb for garnishing that adds a burst of freshness.
limes: For serving with the skewers, adding an extra splash of tanginess as desired.
One reader, Carly Mather says:
This honey, lime, and sriracha chicken skewers recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the marinade gives the chicken a delicious kick. It's a hit at every barbecue and never fails to impress. I highly recommend trying it out for a burst of mouthwatering goodness!
Techniques for Perfecting Honey, Lime and Sriracha Chicken Skewers
Marinating the chicken: The chicken needs to be marinated for at least 6 hours or overnight to ensure it absorbs the flavors of the honey, lime, and sriracha marinade.
Grilling the chicken skewers: The chicken skewers should be grilled over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, for 10 to 15 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
Making the reserved marinade into a sauce: The reserved marinade needs to be warmed up in the microwave before serving. It can be drizzled over the grilled chicken skewers or served alongside as a sauce.
How To Make Honey, Lime & Sriracha Chicken Skewers
A marinade of lime, honey, and sriracha gives these chicken skewers their lip-smacking sweet, tangy, & spicy flavors. These are great for summer barbecues!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3tbspsoy sauce,use gluten-free if needed
- ¼cuphoney,(plus 2 tbsp)
- 1tbspvegetable oil
- 1tsplime zest
- 3tbspfresh lime juice
- 4clovesgarlic,peeled and roughly chopped
- 1½square inch piece fresh ginger,peeled and roughly chopped
- 1½tbspsriracha sauce
- 1¼tspsalt
- 2½lbschicken thighs,boneless skinless, trimmed and cut into 2-inch chunks
- 2tbspcilantro,chopped plus a few whole sprigs for garnish
- limes,sliced into wedges for garnishing platter, optional
Instructions
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In a blender, combine the soy sauce, honey, oil, lime zest, lime juice, garlic, ginger, Sriracha and salt. Blend until completely smooth.
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Pour half a cup of the marinade into a small bowl; cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
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Combine the chicken and remaining marinade in a large Ziplock bag and seal tightly. Place in a bowl (in case of leakage) and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight.
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Remove the chicken from the marinade and thread onto skewers, folding the pieces in half if they are long and thin.
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Be sure the grill is clean, then preheat to medium-high heat. To grease the grill, lightly dip a wad of paper towels in vegetable oil and, using tongs, carefully rub over the grates several times until glossy and coated.
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Grill the chicken kebabs, covered, until golden brown and cooked through, turning skewers occasionally, for 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer the skewers to a platter.
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Warm up the reserved marinade in the microwave and either drizzle it over top or pass it alongside.
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Scatter the chopped cilantro over top and garnish the platter with lime wedges and cilantro sprigs, if desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 507.45kcal
- Fat: 33.93g
- Saturated Fat: 8.74g
- Trans Fat: 0.18g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 14.83g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.01g
- Carbohydrates: 18.24g
- Fiber: 0.96g
- Sugar: 12.33g
- Protein: 32.47g
- Cholesterol: 185.22mg
- Sodium: 596.03mg
- Calcium: 29.79mg
- Potassium: 525.65mg
- Iron: 1.70mg
- Vitamin A: 45.08µg
- Vitamin C: 8.96mg
Pro Tip for Grilling Honey, Lime and Sriracha Chicken Skewers
To ensure your chicken skewers cook evenly, try to cut your chicken thighs into similar sized pieces before marinating. This will not only ensure uniform cooking time but also allow the marinade to penetrate each piece of chicken equally, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Additionally, soaking your skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken can prevent them from burning on the grill.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Marinate efficiently: To save time, consider marinating the chicken in a resealable plastic bag. This method ensures that the marinade coats the chicken evenly and reduces cleanup time.
Prep in advance: Prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken the night before. This allows the flavors to develop and makes the cooking process quicker the next day.
Use pre-cut chicken: Opt for pre-cut chicken thighs to eliminate the need for trimming and cutting, streamlining the preparation process.
Grill in batches: If you're cooking for a large group, grill the chicken skewers in batches to ensure even cooking and to expedite the grilling process.
Organize ingredients: Before starting, organize all the ingredients and utensils needed for the recipe. This will help you work more efficiently and reduce the chances of overlooking an ingredient.
Substitute Ingredients For Honey, Lime & Sriracha Chicken Skewers Recipe
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup has a similar sweetness and viscosity to honey, and will provide a delicious caramelized flavor when grilled.
lime - Substitute with lemon: Lemon provides a similar citrusy tang and acidity to lime, making it a suitable replacement in this recipe.
sriracha sauce - Substitute with chili garlic sauce: Chili garlic sauce offers a similar spicy kick and garlicky flavor, adding depth and heat to the dish.
Presentation Ideas for Honey, Lime and Sriracha Chicken Skewers
Elevate the skewers: Arrange the chicken skewers on a platter in a visually appealing manner, ensuring they are evenly spaced and presented with precision.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the skewers to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor. Place lime wedges strategically around the platter to enhance the visual appeal and provide a hint of citrus.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: When serving the reserved marinade, drizzle it over the skewers in an artistic manner, creating elegant patterns on the platter to showcase the flavors and add a touch of sophistication.
Utilize complementary serving dishes: Pair the skewers with complementary side dishes, such as a vibrant salad or a colorful vegetable medley, presented in aesthetically pleasing serving dishes to create a cohesive and visually stunning presentation.
Emphasize symmetry and balance: Arrange the skewers and accompanying elements with attention to symmetry and balance, creating a visually harmonious presentation that reflects precision and artistry.
Highlight the vibrant colors: Ensure that the colors of the dish are showcased by using a neutral-colored platter or backdrop, allowing the vibrant hues of the chicken, cilantro, and lime to stand out and captivate the senses.
Create a focal point: Position the skewers as the focal point of the presentation, drawing attention to the succulent chicken and the dynamic flavors of the dish. Surround the skewers with minimal yet impactful elements to enhance their prominence.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Chicken Skewers
Blender: A blender is used to combine and blend the marinade ingredients into a smooth mixture.
Ziplock bag: A ziplock bag is used to marinate the chicken, ensuring that the marinade coats the chicken evenly.
Skewers: Skewers are used to thread the marinated chicken for grilling, allowing for even cooking and easy serving.
Grill: The grill is used to cook the chicken skewers, imparting a smoky flavor and charred exterior to the meat.
Tongs: Tongs are used to handle the skewers on the grill, allowing for easy turning and preventing burns.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Chicken Skewers
Once the chicken skewers have cooled to room temperature, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you have leftover marinade, store it in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can be used as a dipping sauce or brushed onto the skewers when reheating.
To freeze the honey, lime, and sriracha chicken skewers, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 2 hours). Once frozen, transfer the skewers to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible. Label the container with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to enjoy the frozen skewers, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat the skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them on a grill over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until warmed through.
If you have frozen the leftover marinade, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat the marinade in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Do not boil the marinade, as this may cause it to separate or become too thick.
How To Reheat Leftover Chicken Skewers
To reheat leftover honey, lime and sriracha chicken skewers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Brush the skewers with a little bit of olive oil or melted butter to prevent them from drying out. Cover the skewers loosely with foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Another option is to reheat the skewers on a grill pan or outdoor grill. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and have nice grill marks.
For a quick and easy method, you can also reheat the skewers in the microwave. Place the skewers on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become rubbery in the microwave.
If you have leftover marinade, you can brush it over the skewers before reheating to add extra flavor and moisture. You can also serve the reheated skewers with fresh lime wedges and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness.
To prevent the skewers from drying out during reheating, you can also wrap them in aluminum foil before placing them in the oven or on the grill. This will help to lock in the moisture and keep the chicken tender and juicy.
Interesting Trivia About Honey, Lime and Sriracha Chicken Skewers
The combination of honey, lime, and sriracha in this recipe creates a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, making it a delicious and versatile dish for any occasion.
Budget-Friendly: Making Chicken Skewers at Home
This honey, lime and sriracha chicken skewers recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as chicken thighs, soy sauce, honey, and lime, are commonly found and reasonably priced. The marinade can be made in bulk and used for multiple meals, making it a budget-friendly option. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, depending on the availability and pricing of ingredients. Overall, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and delicious flavor.
Is This Chicken Skewers Recipe Healthy?
This honey, lime, and sriracha chicken skewers recipe is a delicious and relatively healthy option for a summer barbecue or weeknight dinner. The marinade is packed with flavor from the soy sauce, honey, lime, garlic, ginger, and sriracha, while the chicken thighs provide a good source of protein. Grilling the chicken skewers also helps to reduce the fat content compared to other cooking methods like frying.
However, there are a few aspects of this recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the overall salt content of the dish
- Opt for a sugar-free or reduced-sugar honey to minimize added sugars
- Increase the amount of lime juice and zest for a brighter, more citrusy flavor without relying on excess sweeteners
- Serve the skewers with a variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini to boost the nutrient content and fiber
Additionally, you could experiment with using chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner protein option, although this may slightly impact the juiciness and flavor of the final dish. Serving the skewers over a bed of brown rice or quinoa would also provide a wholesome, fiber-rich base to round out the meal.
Editor's Opinion on These Flavorful Chicken Skewers
The combination of honey, lime, and sriracha in this chicken skewers recipe creates a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. The marinade infuses the chicken with a delicious blend of aromatics, and grilling the skewers adds a smoky char that enhances the overall taste. The reserved marinade sauce provides an extra punch of flavor, and the garnish of cilantro and lime adds a refreshing touch. This recipe is a delightful fusion of Asian-inspired flavors and is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
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Why trust this Honey, Lime & Sriracha Chicken Skewers Recipe:
This recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors with honey, lime juice, and sriracha, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes. The marinade, enriched with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, infuses the chicken thighs with rich, savory aromas. The grilling method ensures a succulent and tender texture, while the finishing touch of cilantro and lime wedges adds a burst of freshness. With its vibrant combination of ingredients and meticulous cooking instructions, this recipe promises a delightful culinary experience. Trust in the expertise behind this flavorful creation.
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