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To make honey lime chicken kebabs, gather these ingredients: - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup fresh lime juice - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces - 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces - 1 red onion, cut into wedges - Skewers (wooden or metal, soaked if wooden) You can swap some ingredients for a different flavor. If you want a spicy kick, use chili powder instead of smoked paprika. If you don’t have honey, maple syrup works well too. For lime juice, you can use lemon juice if needed. While chicken breasts are great, chicken thighs can add more moisture and flavor. For a veggie option, try using mushrooms or zucchini instead of chicken. Choose fresh chicken with no odors or discoloration. Look for bright, firm bell peppers with smooth skin. They should feel heavy for their size. For onions, pick ones that are firm and dry. Fresh garlic should have tight skins and no sprouting. When buying limes, select ones that are heavy and firm, as they'll have more juice. Always use fresh ingredients for the best taste! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. You will need 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut them into 1-inch cubes. Next, grab a mixing bowl. In this bowl, whisk together the honey, fresh lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined. Now, add the cubed chicken to the marinade. Make sure each piece is coated well. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes. For best flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. While it heats, prepare the kebabs. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Alternate between the chicken, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and red onion. This makes for a colorful dish. The marinade is key to great flavor in your kebabs. Honey adds sweetness, while lime juice brings brightness. Olive oil helps the spices stick to the chicken. Garlic adds depth, and cumin gives a warm, earthy taste. Smoked paprika adds a hint of smokiness, which enhances the grilled flavor. Make sure to mix the marinade well. This ensures every piece of chicken gets coated. If you have time, let the chicken sit in the marinade longer. This extra time helps the flavors soak in deeper. Once your grill is hot, it's time to cook the kebabs. Place them on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes. Turn them occasionally for even cooking. Look for nice grill marks on the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken's internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. After grilling, remove the kebabs from the grill. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep the chicken juicy. For a beautiful presentation, serve the kebabs on a platter. Add lime wedges and fresh cilantro for color. A side of yogurt dip or tzatziki pairs nicely with this dish. Enjoy your tasty grilled delight! To cook chicken just right, start with uniform cubes. Cut them into 1-inch pieces. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Use a meat thermometer. The chicken should hit 165°F (75°C). If you do not have a thermometer, check that the meat is no longer pink inside. Rest the chicken for a few minutes after grilling. This allows juices to settle, making it juicy and tender. Marinating is key to flavor. Mix honey, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, and paprika for a tasty marinade. Coat the chicken well and refrigerate. Aim for at least 30 minutes of marinating. For more flavor, go up to 2 hours. Do not marinate longer than that, as the lime juice can make the chicken mushy. For added depth, try adding fresh herbs like cilantro or basil to the marinade. When skewering, alternate between chicken and veggies. This adds flavor and color. Use wooden skewers? Soak them in water for 30 minutes first. This prevents burning on the grill. Do not pack the pieces too tightly. Leave some space for heat to circulate. Turn the skewers every few minutes for even cooking. This way, every bite is juicy and delicious. Pro Tips Marinating Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours. If time allows, marinating overnight will enhance the taste even more. Skewer Safety: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning on the grill. Grill Temperature: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high before placing the kebabs on. This helps achieve nice grill marks and keeps the chicken juicy. Resting Time: Allow the kebabs to rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken more tender and flavorful. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your honey lime chicken kebabs easily. Try using different sweeteners, like maple syrup or agave. You can also swap the lime juice for lemon juice for a zesty twist. For a spicy kick, add some cayenne pepper to the marinade. Experimenting with herbs, like cilantro or basil, can also change the taste. If you want a vegetarian version, choose firm tofu or assorted veggies. For tofu, press it first to remove excess water. Cut the tofu into cubes, just like the chicken. Marinate it in the same honey-lime mix. You can use colorful veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes. These add flavor and make your kebabs vibrant and fun. Pair your kebabs with fresh sides for a complete meal. A light salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a citrus dressing works great. Rice or quinoa adds heartiness and soaks up the marinade's flavor. For a refreshing touch, try a yogurt dip or tzatziki on the side. These dips balance the sweetness of the kebabs. Store leftover kebabs in an airtight container. Let them cool before sealing. Place the container in your fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. If you have extra marinade, keep it in a separate jar. Use this to add flavor when reheating. To reheat the kebabs, use your oven or grill. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the kebabs on a baking tray. Cover them with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 10 minutes. If using a grill, warm them for 5-7 minutes, turning often. This keeps the chicken juicy and tasty. You can freeze kebabs for later use. Wrap each skewer in plastic wrap tightly. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, let them thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This keeps their flavor and texture intact. Yes, you can use chicken thighs. Thighs stay moist and tender when grilled. They have more fat, which adds flavor. Cut them into 1-inch pieces just like the breasts. The cooking time might be similar, but check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can serve many tasty sides with these kebabs. Here are some great options: - Rice or quinoa for a filling base - Grilled vegetables like zucchini or asparagus - A fresh salad with mixed greens - Flatbreads or pita for a fun twist - Yogurt dip or tzatziki for added flavor These sides will balance the sweet and tangy taste of the kebabs. You can marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, try to marinate for up to 2 hours. This lets the chicken soak up all that delicious honey-lime taste. Avoid marinating for more than 4 hours, as the acid in lime juice can change the chicken's texture. This blog post covered the main steps to make great chicken kebabs. We looked at the key ingredients and how to swap them for fresh options. The step-by-step cooking guide showed you how to prepare and grill the chicken right. I shared tips for perfect cooking and flavor. We also explored tasty variations and how to store leftovers. Remember to have fun with your kebabs. Try new flavors and enjoy every bite! Good food brings joy, and you can make it great.

Honey Lime Chicken Kebabs

Delicious chicken kebabs marinated in a sweet and tangy honey lime sauce, grilled to perfection.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 0.25 cup fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 red onion, cut into wedges
  • Skewers (wooden or metal, soaked if wooden)

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  • Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
  • Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
  • While the grill is heating, prepare the kebabs by threading the marinated chicken, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and red onion onto the skewers, alternating between the ingredients.
  • Once the grill is hot, place the kebabs on it and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
  • Remove the kebabs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve the kebabs on a large platter, garnished with lime wedges and fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor. A side of yogurt dip or tzatziki complements the dish beautifully!
Keyword chicken, grilling, honey, kebabs, lime