Honey Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers

As we transition into the warmer seasons, the lure of outdoor cooking and the irresistible charm of grilled foods become more pronounced. Among the myriad of recipes fit for a delightful barbecue experience, Honey Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers stand out as a must-try. This recipe promises not only a burst of flavor but also an engaging culinary activity that friends and family can enjoy together. Below, we’ll dive into how to bring this zesty, sweet, and slightly spicy dish to life in your own backyard.

Ingredients Overview

To get started, you’ll need the following:

• For the Chicken Skewers:
  • 2 1/2 pounds (1.13kg) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • Garnishes: 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro or parsley and lime wedges
• For the Honey Lime Chicken Marinade (and Glaze):
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 6 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce (adjust according to taste)
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the glaze)

Preparing the Marinade

The first step involves creating a harmonious blend of flavors for the marinade. In a small bowl or a food processor, whisk or blend together the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), lime zest, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, vegetable oil, Sriracha sauce, and kosher salt until well-combined.

Marinating the Chicken

Once your marinade is ready, place the chicken pieces in a sealable bag or container. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. Allow the chicken to marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate for 6-12 hours for deeper flavor infusion. If you’re planning to marinate overnight, it’s advisable to omit the lime juice to prevent the acid from ‘cooking’ the chicken.

Preparing the Glaze

For those who love a glossy finish, the reserved marinade can be transformed into a rich glaze. Simply mix in 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch and microwave for 1 minute or until it reaches a glaze-like consistency.

Getting the Grill Ready

Ensure your grill is clean and well-oiled before heating it to medium-high. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning.

Grilling the Chicken

Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, discarding any leftover marinade used for marinating. Lightly oil the chicken skewers to prevent sticking and grill on all sides until golden brown, about 9-12 minutes, turning occasionally. An instant-read thermometer should read 160°F (71°C) for perfectly cooked chicken. Let the skewers rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving

To serve, drizzle the prepared glaze over the chicken skewers or warm it up and serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley and accompany with fresh lime wedges for that extra zest.

These Honey Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers are not just a dish but a delightful experience to share. The combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors wrapped around the succulent pieces of chicken offers a tantalizing treat for your taste buds. So, the next time you light up your grill, consider this recipe your go-to for an unforgettable outdoor dining adventure.

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