Summertime means it’s grilling season, and there’s nothing quite like the sizzle and smoky aroma of fire-kissed chicken skewers. But these aren’t your average grilled chicken skewers – these Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers take the classic chicken kebab to a whole new level of flavor.
By combining the natural sweetness of honey with the bold, fiery kick of jalapeños, this recipe creates a delightful contrast of tastes that will have your taste buds dancing. The juicy chicken cubes, infused with a savory marinade, are perfectly complemented by the fresh jalapeño slices, resulting in a mouthwatering skewer that’s sure to be the star of any backyard barbecue or summer gathering.
Ingredients for Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers
To make these flavor-packed skewers, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:
- 1 ½ lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes – the star of the show, providing the protein and a juicy base for the marinade.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – helps the marinade cling to the chicken and adds richness.
- 2 tbsp honey – provides the sweet counterpoint to the spicy jalapeños.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce – introduces a touch of umami flavor to balance the dish.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – an aromatic seasoning that deepens the overall flavor profile.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika – lends a smoky complexity to the marinade.
- 1-2 jalapeños, sliced thin – the star ingredient that brings the heat and freshness.
- Salt and pepper to taste – simple seasonings to enhance the other flavors.
- Skewers (wooden or metal) – for easy grilling and serving.
Remember, the amount of jalapeños can be adjusted to suit your desired spice level. Start with 1 jalapeño and add more if you want an extra kick of heat.
Preparing the Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers
Ready to get cooking? Here’s how to bring these delectable skewers to life:
Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat them evenly in the marinade. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to fully develop.
Assemble the Skewers
Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to start building your skewers. Thread the chicken cubes and sliced jalapeños onto the skewers, alternating between the two for a visually appealing presentation. Be sure to leave a little space between each piece of chicken to ensure even cooking.
Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium heat, around 400°F to 450°F. If using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning. Place the prepared skewers directly on the grill grates and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the jalapeños are slightly charred.
To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. Remember to rotate the skewers occasionally for even cooking.
Serving and Enjoying Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers
Once your Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers are grilled to perfection, it’s time to serve them up with a delightful finishing touch. Brush the skewers with a bit of extra honey just before serving, creating a glossy, caramelized glaze that will make them irresistible.
These skewers pair beautifully with a variety of sides, such as grilled vegetables, a fresh green salad, or a simple side of rice or quinoa. The sweet and spicy flavors of the chicken also make it a fantastic choice for appetizers at summer parties and gatherings.
If you have any leftovers (though we doubt you will!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the skewers gently in the oven or on the grill before serving to ensure they retain their juicy texture and bold flavors.
Variations and Adaptations
The beauty of this Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers recipe is that it’s highly versatile. Here are a few ideas to mix things up:
- Adjust the Spice Level: For a milder version, use fewer jalapeños or remove the seeds and membranes. For an extra kick, add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or use a hotter pepper variety, such as serrano or habanero.
- Try Different Proteins: Swap out the chicken for shrimp, cubed tofu, or even beef or pork to create unique flavor combinations.
- Experiment with Marinades: Try adding a touch of citrus, such as lime or orange juice, or incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or basil to the marinade for additional layers of flavor.
- Grill Vegetables Too: Thread cherry tomatoes, bell pepper chunks, or zucchini slices onto the skewers along with the chicken and jalapeños for a colorful and nutritious meal.
FAQs about Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers
What ingredients do I need to make Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers?
To make Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers, you will typically need the following ingredients: chicken breast or thighs, fresh jalapeños, honey, soy sauce, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. You may also want skewers (wooden or metal) for grilling.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the skewers?
You can adjust the spiciness of the Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers by modifying the amount of jalapeños used. For a milder flavor, use fewer jalapeños or remove the seeds and membranes, which contain most of the heat. Alternatively, for an extra kick, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or a hotter pepper variety.
Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers ahead of time. Marinate the chicken in the honey jalapeño mixture for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator before grilling. Just be sure to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.
What are some serving suggestions for Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers?
These skewers can be served as an appetizer or a main dish. They pair well with sides like rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, consider serving them with a dipping sauce, such as ranch or a creamy avocado dip, to balance the spice.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Sandwiches
- Honey Garlic Bacon Wrapped Chicken Nuggets
- Sticky Sweet Heat Teriyaki Chicken Rice
- Caribbean Chicken and Rice
Embrace the flavors of summer and fire up your grill for a truly unforgettable Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers experience. With its perfect balance of sweet and heat, this recipe is sure to become a new backyard barbecue favorite. Gather your loved ones, grab some skewers, and get ready to savor the mouthwatering taste of these irresistible chicken skewers.
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Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Total Time: 40-44 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Summertime means it’s grilling season, and there’s nothing quite like the sizzle and smoky aroma of fire-kissed chicken skewers. These Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers take the classic chicken kebab to a whole new level of flavor. By combining the natural sweetness of honey with the bold, fiery kick of jalapeños, this recipe creates a delightful contrast of tastes that will have your taste buds dancing.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1–2 jalapeños, sliced thin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat them evenly in the marinade. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Assemble the Skewers
Once the chicken has marinated, thread the chicken cubes and sliced jalapeños onto the skewers, alternating between the two. Be sure to leave a little space between each piece of chicken to ensure even cooking.
Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium heat, around 400°F to 450°F. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. Place the prepared skewers on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the jalapeños are slightly charred.
Notes
Brush the skewers with a bit of extra honey just before serving for a glossy glaze. These skewers pair beautifully with grilled vegetables, a fresh green salad, or rice. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 10-14 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Spicy Honey Jalapeño Chicken Skewers, Grilled Chicken Skewers, Summer BBQ Recipes, Easy Chicken Recipes, Jalapeño Chicken Skewers