Sam There’s just something about the smell of sizzling skewers on the grill that makes summer feel official—and these grilled honey lime chicken skewers are exactly the kind of backyard magic I crave all season long. The first time I paired the tangy zest of lime with golden honey over juicy grilled chicken, I knew I had a winner. This dish brings bold, bright flavors together in the simplest way, making it my go-to for everything from cookouts to easy weeknight meals.
The marinade is a dream—just a handful of pantry staples like garlic, soy sauce, and fresh lime juice that transform plain chicken into tender, flavor-packed bites. It’s the kind of meal that feels fresh, light, and a little indulgent all at once. If you’re tired of the same old grilled chicken, this recipe is your upgrade. It hits that sweet spot between zesty citrus and caramelized honey glaze that makes your taste buds wake up and dance.
What I love most is how approachable this recipe is. You can prep everything ahead, marinate overnight, and throw it on the grill when you’re ready. It works just as beautifully for a busy weeknight as it does for hosting friends with icy drinks and a spread of grilled favorites. And bonus? These skewers are great for meal prep too—just stash leftovers and enjoy them over salad, rice, or in wraps.
If you’re looking for a chicken skewer recipe that’s big on flavor, perfectly balanced, and a total crowd-pleaser, these grilled honey lime chicken skewers are it. They’ve become a staple at my table, and I bet they’ll become one at yours too.
Grilled Honey Lime Chicken Skewers – Sweet, Zesty, and Summer-Ready
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
- ¼ cup honey
- Juice and zest of 2 limes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the marinadeIn a medium bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice and zest, olive oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Step 2: Cut and marinate the chickenSlice the chicken into 1-inch chunks. Add to a resealable bag or bowl and pour the marinade over. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).
- Step 3: Skewer and preheatThread marinated chicken onto soaked wooden skewers or metal ones. Preheat grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates.
- Step 4: Grill to golden perfectionGrill the skewers 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
- Step 5: Garnish and serveSprinkle with fresh herbs and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
Secret Tips for Grilled Honey Lime Chicken Skewers
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness. While chicken breast is a leaner option, boneless skinless chicken thighs retain moisture better on the grill, resulting in juicier grilled honey lime chicken skewers with deeper flavor.
- Marinate overnight for maximum flavor. To get the most out of your honey lime marinade for chicken, let it sit overnight in the fridge. The citrus helps tenderize the meat while the honey locks in moisture, creating perfectly tender grilled chicken kabobs.
- Soak wooden skewers to prevent burning. If you’re using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to avoid flare-ups on the grill—especially during high-heat BBQ chicken skewer cooking.
- Baste mid-grill for a caramelized glaze. Set aside a few tablespoons of your marinade (before adding raw chicken) and brush it over the skewers during the last 2 minutes of grilling for a glossy, sticky finish.
- Pair with citrusy slaw or grilled pineapple. These healthy summer chicken skewer recipes shine when served with light sides like tangy slaw or grilled fruit—think lime-zested cabbage or pineapple wedges.
- Add chili flakes or sriracha for kick. Want sweet and spicy? Add a touch of chili flakes to your sweet and tangy chicken skewers for a smoky heat that balances beautifully with the honey and lime.
- Grill over medium-high heat. For even cooking without drying out the chicken, maintain medium-high heat and rotate skewers every few minutes. This locks in juices and helps create the perfect low carb chicken skewer meal.
- Serve with yogurt-based dips. For an extra protein boost and Mediterranean twist, pair your gluten-free grilled chicken skewers with tzatziki or a lime-garlic Greek yogurt sauce.
Recipe Overview
Difficulty Level: Easy
Course: Dinner / Main
Cuisine: American Grill / Tropical-Inspired
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 1–8 hours
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: ~30 minutes + marinating
Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving)
Calories: ~300
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 12g
Sugar: 14g
Gluten-Free: Yes (if using tamari or GF soy sauce)
Lean chicken breast is an excellent source of high-quality protein. Honey adds natural sweetness, while lime juice offers vitamin C and antioxidants. Learn more about the nutritional power of lean poultry and other protein sources at Cleveland Clinic.
Budget Breakdown
Chicken breast (1.5 lbs): ~$6.00
Honey and lime: ~$1.50
Soy sauce, garlic, olive oil, spices: ~$1.50
Skewers and optional herbs: ~$1.00
Total Cost: ~$10.00
Cost Per Serving: ~$2.50
Check out EatRight.org for smart tips on eating well without overspending.
Behind the Recipe
This one was born out of a craving. I had chicken to use, a few limes on the counter, and just enough honey left to drizzle—but no real plan. I threw together a quick marinade with what I had, and the result was shockingly good. The sweetness of the honey caramelized beautifully on the grill, while the lime kept things bright and balanced. It was one of those lucky kitchen accidents that turned into a signature recipe in our house.
Since then, I’ve played with the ratios, added fresh garlic and soy for depth, and found that a good long marinate makes all the difference in creating those juicy, flavor-packed bites. I even tested different cuts of chicken—thighs work beautifully too, but I usually go with boneless breasts for that lean, high-protein boost.
There’s something nostalgic and summery about chicken on a stick, especially when it’s kissed by flame and brushed with something sweet. Whether you’re making these for your family or firing up the grill for friends, this recipe never fails to bring the wow factor—and that’s why it’s stayed in my rotation for years.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and tangy balance from honey and fresh lime
- High-protein, low-fuss, and naturally gluten-free
- Pairs perfectly with a variety of sides
- Ideal for grilling season or indoor grill pans
- Make-ahead marinade makes it meal-prep friendly
Perfect For
- Backyard BBQs and summer get-togethers
- Quick weeknight dinners
- Light, healthy lunches with grilled flavor
- Meal prep bowls and wraps
- Impressing guests without breaking a sweat
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast (or thighs)
- 1/4 cup honey
- Juice and zest of 2 limes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley (for garnish)
- Lime wedges for serving
Ingredient Highlights
Chicken Breast: Lean and versatile, chicken breast is a top pick for high-protein meals. If you’re watching your fat intake or looking to build lean muscle, it’s a smart choice. See Nutritionix for a full breakdown.
Honey: Adds a natural sweetness that balances the acidity of lime and helps create a beautiful glaze on the grill.
Lime Juice and Zest: Brightens everything up and tenderizes the meat.
Soy Sauce or Tamari: Adds depth and umami—tamari keeps it gluten-free.
Garlic and Cumin: Bring warmth and extra flavor without needing extra salt or fat.
How to Make It
Step 1: Prepare the marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice and zest, olive oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Cut and marinate the chicken
Slice the chicken into 1-inch chunks. Add to a resealable bag or bowl and pour the marinade over. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).
Step 3: Skewer and preheat
Thread marinated chicken onto soaked wooden skewers or metal ones. Preheat grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates.
Step 4: Grill to golden perfection
Grill the skewers 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve with lime wedges.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use fresh lime juice for the most vibrant flavor.
- Let the chicken marinate overnight if possible.
- Don’t skip oiling the grill—helps prevent sticking.
- Slice chicken evenly to cook at the same rate.
- Double the marinade for drizzling before serving (just reserve some separately!).
Easy Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the marinade.
- Citrus Twist: Swap lime for lemon or even orange for a tropical change.
- Herb-Heavy: Add chopped fresh mint or basil to the marinade for extra brightness.
- Dairy-Free Dip: Serve with a dairy-free yogurt tzatziki for creamy contrast.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or wrapped in lettuce.
Storage & Reheat Tips
- Fridge: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked skewers (without garnish) for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Use a skillet or oven to reheat—microwave works in a pinch but may dry out the chicken.
🍽️ Make It a Meal
Here’s what I love pairing these skewers with from our ReadyPrepMeals collection:
Also explore our Low Carb Dinner, High-Protein Dinner, and Summer Grilling Recipes tags!
Frequently Asked Questions
For the best flavor and texture, marinate for at least 1 hour. Up to 8 hours yields maximum flavor without breaking down the meat.
Boneless chicken breasts work well for lean, high-protein meals. Chicken thighs offer more flavor and moisture.
Absolutely! Use a grill pan or broil in the oven, turning occasionally until fully cooked.
Yes! It’s high in protein, low in processed ingredients, and balanced with natural sweetness and citrus. See more on honey’s benefits at WebMD.
Fresh lime juice is ideal for brightness and flavor. Bottled works in a pinch but can taste more muted.
Don’t overcook, and use a meat thermometer—165°F is the magic number for juicy, safe chicken.
Yes! Freeze after grilling and reheating later makes weeknight meals extra easy.
Try grilled veggies, fresh slaw, rice pilaf, or even warm pita with tzatziki.
Yes—just make sure to use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
Definitely! Bell peppers, onions, or zucchini work well and add color.
Final Thoughts
These grilled honey lime chicken skewers are a celebration of everything I love about summer cooking—fresh flavors, easy prep, and bold taste that delivers every single time. From the sticky-sweet glaze to that burst of lime, every bite reminds me why simple grilled chicken will never go out of style.
What I appreciate most is the flexibility—whether I’m meal-prepping, grilling for friends, or just trying to get dinner on the table fast, this recipe shows up for me every time. It’s light yet satisfying, healthy but indulgent, and versatile enough to pair with whatever you’ve got in the fridge.
So if you’re ready to bring some sunshine to your next meal, grab those skewers, fire up the grill, and let the honey and lime work their magic. Once you’ve had these skewers hot off the grill, I promise—you’ll be hooked just like I was.
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Sticky-sweet, tangy, and perfectly charred—these flavor-packed skewers are summer’s ultimate protein-packed dinner!
