Sizzling Spicy Honey Jalapeno Chicken Skewers Recipe with Zesty Dip

Succulent spicy honey jalapeño chicken skewers dance with vibrant flavors that instantly electrify dinner plates.

Summer grilling beckons with these zesty morsels of pure deliciousness.

Jalapeños bring subtle heat while honey whispers sweet undertones across tender chicken pieces.

Cilantro lime dip offers cool refreshment against the skewers’ bold personality.

Home cooks can effortlessly craft restaurant-quality appetizers without complicated techniques.

Marinating transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary culinary adventure that promises to surprise and delight.

FAQs

• How spicy are these chicken skewers?

The spice level depends on the jalapeños. Remove seeds for less heat, or use more jalapeños for extra kick. Adjust according to your personal spice tolerance.

• Can I use different types of meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! These marinades work great with chicken thighs, pork, or even shrimp. Just adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose.

• Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the dip, choose skinless chicken breast, and grill instead of using additional oil. These substitutions can reduce calories without losing flavor.

• What if I don't have fresh jalapeños?

You can substitute with jarred jalapeños or use chili flakes. The heat and flavor profile will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Chicken Skewers With Sweet Heat And A Tangy Dip Everyone Loves

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: Whips up in under 30 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy families craving a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor Explosion: Combines sweet honey, spicy jalapeños, and smoky paprika for a mouthwatering taste profile that tingles taste buds and keeps everyone coming back for more.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Appetizer: Versatile skewers work brilliantly as a main course or crowd-favorite finger food for gatherings, game nights, or summer barbecues with minimal fuss.
• Customizable Heat Level: Easily adjust jalapeño quantity to suit different spice preferences, ensuring everyone from mild-loving kids to heat-seeking adults can enjoy this dish.

Spicy Honey Jalapeno Chicken Skewers Ingredient Guide

• Chicken Breast: A lean, tender meat that absorbs the marinade's flavors and provides the main protein for the dish.
• Boneless Skinless Chicken: Best to choose fresh, high-quality chicken for maximum tenderness and flavor.

• Honey, Soy Sauce, Lime Juice: A sweet, salty, and tangy combination that tenderizes and adds depth to the chicken.
• Jalapeños: Provides a spicy kick and fresh heat to the marinade.
• Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder: Adds smoky complexity and aromatic depth to the marinade.

• Sour Cream, Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy, rich base for the dipping sauce.
• Lime Juice, Cilantro: Brings bright, fresh flavor to the cool and tangy dip.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the dip.

• Skewers: Wooden or metal skewers for grilling or broiling the chicken.

Grilling Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Skewers with Zesty Dip

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Fresh lime juice
• Diced jalapeños
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder

Stir everything together until well blended and fragrant.

Step 2: Coat and Chill Chicken

Toss chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring each piece gets completely covered.

Let the chicken soak up all those incredible flavors in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Step 3: Prepare Skewers

Carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto wooden or metal skewers.

Make sure to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.

Step 4: Fire Up the Grill

Heat your grill to medium-high temperature.

Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side.

Watch for beautiful golden-brown char marks and ensure chicken is fully cooked through.

Step 5: Whip Up Creamy Cilantro Lime Dip

• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Fresh lime juice
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the sizzling skewers to a serving platter.

Place the creamy cilantro lime dip in a small bowl alongside.

Garnish with extra cilantro if desired.

Dive into these explosive flavor-packed chicken skewers that bring the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy!

Skewer Grilling Tips for Spicy Jalapeño Chicken

• Remove jalapeño seeds for milder heat or add extra for a fiery kick, catering to different spice tolerances.
• Let chicken sit in marinade overnight in the refrigerator to enhance flavor absorption and tenderness.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to stop them from charring quickly.
• Bake in oven at 400°F or use a grill pan if outdoor grilling isn't available for versatile preparation.
• Replace sour cream and mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or cashew cream for a lighter, healthier dipping sauce option.

Reheat Jalapeno Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Lime Dip

• Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Warm skewers in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, turning once to ensure even heating and prevent drying out.
• Keep cilantro lime dip separately in a sealed container. Consume within 2-3 days for best quality and freshness.
• Discard any chicken left at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent foodborne illness.

Side Ideas for Jalapeño Chicken Skewers

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the spicy-sweet chicken skewers, cutting through the heat while complementing the bright cilantro lime dip.
• Refresh with Mexican Lager: Grab a cold Corona or Modelo Especial to cool down the jalapeño's kick and enhance the honey's sweetness, providing a classic pairing for these zesty skewers.
• Complement with Fruity Cocktail: Mix a margarita or paloma using fresh lime juice to echo the recipe's citrus notes, creating a vibrant flavor combination that matches the skewers' bold profile.
• Balance with Cucumber Salad: Prepare a light, cool cucumber salad with fresh herbs to provide a crisp, refreshing side that tempers the chicken's spiciness and adds textural contrast.

Jalapeño Chicken Skewer Updates

• Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace honey with sugar-free honey alternative or liquid stevia. Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for lower carb dip and swap chicken thighs for chicken breast to reduce fat content.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or cauliflower florets. Marinate plant-based protein in same spicy honey mixture and grill until golden and slightly charred.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of sour cream and mayonnaise. Add extra lime zest and chopped herbs to boost flavor profile for cilantro lime dip.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: Confirm soy sauce is gluten-free or replace with tamari sauce. Double-check all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use wooden or metal skewers without added wheat-based coatings.

Spicy Honey Jalapeno Chicken Skewers With Cilantro Lime Dip Recipe

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4.5 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling spicy honey jalapeño chicken skewers dance with zesty flavor, promising a culinary adventure. Cilantro lime dip complements the grilled masterpiece, delivering cool refreshment that balances each fiery, sweet-heat bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 fresh jalapenos, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Liquid and Sweet Components:

• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water

Cilantro Lime Dip:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty marinade by combining honey, soy sauce, fresh lime juice, finely chopped jalapeños, smoky paprika, and garlic powder in a mixing vessel, ensuring thorough blending of flavors.
2. Submerge chicken pieces completely in the marinade, gently massaging to ensure even coating, then refrigerate for at least half an hour to allow deep flavor penetration.
3. Carefully thread the marinated chicken onto pre-soaked wooden skewers, alternating pieces to create an attractive presentation and ensure even cooking.
4. Preheat grill or broiler to medium-high temperature, creating an ideal cooking environment for achieving a perfect caramelized exterior and juicy interior.
5. Position skewers on the cooking surface, rotating periodically to develop a rich golden-brown char and prevent burning, cooking until chicken reaches optimal internal temperature.
6. While chicken cooks, whip together creamy sour cream, tangy mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lime juice, finely chopped cilantro, and a delicate balance of salt and pepper to create a vibrant, cooling dip.
7. Remove skewers from heat, allowing a brief resting period to lock in succulent juices, then plate alongside the herbaceous cilantro lime dip for a stunning presentation.

Notes

• Adjust jalapeño quantity based on heat tolerance, removing seeds for milder version or adding extra for spice lovers.
• Marinate chicken overnight in refrigerator to enhance flavor penetration and tenderize meat more effectively.
• Use wooden skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling or broiling.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to create a healthier, protein-rich dip with similar creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg