Sriracha Honey Chicken Skewers Recipe

Introduction

Sriracha Honey Chicken Skewers are a perfect fusion of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors, making them a delicious and unforgettable dish. These skewers feature tender chunks of chicken marinated in a mouthwatering combination of sriracha, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and other seasonings, delivering a complex taste profile that is both bold and irresistible. The chicken is then grilled to perfection, offering a beautiful char on the outside while remaining juicy and tender inside.

Whether you’re preparing for a summer barbecue, hosting a dinner party, or simply craving something flavorful for a weeknight meal, Sriracha Honey Chicken Skewers are sure to be a hit. The easy-to-follow recipe combines simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it a perfect choice for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs. This guide will walk you through each step, share helpful tips to make sure your skewers are perfect every time, and suggest variations to make this dish your own.

Why You’ll Love Sriracha Honey Chicken Skewers

• Perfect Balance of Heat and Sweet: The sriracha provides a fiery kick, while the honey adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the heat. Together, they create an irresistible marinade that clings to the chicken, creating layers of flavor.
• Juicy, Tender Chicken: The marinated chicken comes out perfectly tender and juicy thanks to the combination of the marinade’s acids, sugars, and seasonings. Grilling the skewers ensures that each piece gets a flavorful char on the outside while staying moist inside.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Made with just a handful of pantry staples, these chicken skewers pack a ton of flavor. The marinade is easy to whip up, and the ingredients are simple to find at your local grocery store.
• Versatile and Customizable: These skewers are incredibly versatile. You can adjust the level of heat by modifying the amount of sriracha or honey in the marinade. You can also experiment with different types of vegetables or side dishes to complement the skewers.
• Ideal for Any Occasion: Whether you’re grilling at a summer party, serving them as an appetizer, or making a quick weeknight dinner, Sriracha Honey Chicken Skewers are perfect for any occasion. They’re simple, quick, and impressive!

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Marinating Time: 30-45 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4-6 servings (depending on portion size)
• Calories per Serving: Around 220-250 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 220-250 kcal
• Fat: 9-11g
• Carbohydrates: 9-12g
• Protein: 24-26g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 8-10g

Ingredients

For the Sriracha Honey Chicken Skewers:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste for heat level)
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional for extra flavor)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing the skewers)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Chopped cilantro or parsley
• Sesame seeds
• Lime wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Begin by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized cubes, about 1 inch in size. This ensures that the chicken will cook evenly and absorb the marinade well. Thighs can also be used for a juicier, more flavorful result, but chicken breasts are a leaner option.

Once the chicken is cut into pieces, place it in a large mixing bowl or a resealable plastic bag. This will be used to marinate the chicken and infuse it with flavor.

2. Make the Marinade

In a separate small bowl, combine the sriracha sauce, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger (if using). Stir everything together until the honey is fully dissolved and the marinade is smooth.

The combination of sriracha and honey is key here—sriracha adds heat, while honey gives a lovely sweetness that balances out the spice. The soy sauce brings saltiness and depth, while the vinegar adds acidity to help tenderize the chicken.

3. Marinate the Chicken

Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken and mix well, ensuring that all the pieces are coated with the marinade. If you’re using a resealable bag, seal the bag and gently shake it to distribute the marinade evenly.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or seal the bag, and refrigerate the chicken for 30 minutes to 1 hour. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be, but even a short marination time will still yield delicious results.

4. Preheat the Grill

While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan indoors, preheat it over medium-high heat as well. The goal is to get the grill or pan hot enough to sear the chicken quickly, creating a nice char on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.

If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning during the cooking process.

5. Assemble the Skewers

After the chicken has marinated, it’s time to thread the pieces onto your skewers. Take each skewer and carefully thread the chicken pieces, ensuring they are snug but not packed too tightly together. If you’re adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini, alternate the chicken pieces with the veggies for a colorful and flavorful presentation.

Make sure to leave a small gap between the chicken pieces to allow for even cooking.

6. Grill the Chicken Skewers

Brush the skewers lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking. Once the grill is hot, place the skewers on the grill grates. Grill the chicken skewers for about 3-5 minutes per side, turning them to ensure that all sides get a nice, golden-brown char. The chicken should be cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.

If you’re cooking indoors on a grill pan, follow the same cooking times and turn the skewers as needed to ensure even cooking and a nice sear on all sides.

7. Rest the Skewers

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.

8. Serve and Garnish

Arrange the grilled chicken skewers on a platter and garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley, sesame seeds, and lime wedges for a fresh and bright finish. Serve immediately while hot, with the dipping sauce of your choice if desired.

Tips for Perfect Sriracha Honey Chicken Skewers

• Adjust the Heat Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of sriracha or substitute it with a milder hot sauce. Alternatively, for more heat, add more sriracha or incorporate a pinch of chili flakes into the marinade.
• Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness: While chicken breasts are lean and great for grilling, chicken thighs provide a bit more fat and moisture, making them even juicier and more flavorful. If you’re looking for a richer taste, use thighs instead of breasts.
• Marinate Longer for More Flavor: For the most flavorful chicken, marinate it for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. If you have time, marinate for up to 4 hours or even overnight for an even deeper flavor.
• Vegetable Pairings: Grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and onions pair wonderfully with these skewers. Simply thread them onto the skewers between the pieces of chicken, or serve them alongside the skewers.
• Watch the Grill Temperature: Make sure your grill is preheated and at the right temperature (medium-high heat) before placing the skewers on it. A too-cold grill will cause the chicken to cook unevenly, while a too-hot grill could burn the exterior before the chicken cooks through.
• Serve with Dipping Sauce: For an extra layer of flavor, serve these skewers with a dipping sauce. A cool yogurt-based sauce, peanut sauce, or even extra honey sriracha sauce works beautifully.

Variations of Sriracha Honey Chicken Skewers

• Sriracha Honey Tofu Skewers: For a vegetarian or vegan option, replace the chicken with firm tofu. Press the tofu to remove excess water, cut it into cubes, and marinate it in the same sriracha honey marinade before skewering and grilling. The result is a smoky, spicy, and delicious vegetarian dish.
• Sriracha Honey Shrimp Skewers: Swap the chicken for large shrimp for a quick-cooking alternative. Shrimp takes only about 2-3 minutes per side on the grill, making it an excellent choice for a fast meal.
• Spicy Sriracha Honey Pork Skewers: Pork tenderloin is another great option for these skewers. Marinate chunks of pork in the same marinade and grill them until they’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
• Grilled Sriracha Honey Veggie Skewers: For a vegetarian skewers option, marinate and grill vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions in the sriracha honey sauce for a delicious smoky, spicy side dish.
• Sriracha Honey Chicken Skewers with Pineapple: Add chunks of fresh pineapple to your skewers for a sweet and tangy contrast to the spicy chicken. The pineapple will caramelize on the grill, adding extra flavor and sweetness.

Storage and Shelf Life

Sriracha Honey Chicken Skewers are best enjoyed fresh off the grill, but they can be stored for later. To store leftovers, place the cooled skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, place the skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them on the grill for a few minutes to restore the crispy exterior.

For longer storage, you can freeze the marinated, uncooked chicken skewers. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. To cook from frozen, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then grill as usual.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Sriracha Honey Chicken Skewers

While Sriracha Honey Chicken Skewers are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can make for a complete meal:

• Rice or Quinoa: Serve the skewers with steamed rice, jasmine rice, or quinoa for a filling, hearty side dish.
• Grilled Vegetables: Complement the skewers with grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
• Coleslaw: A fresh, tangy coleslaw can balance out the heat of the skewers and add crunch to the meal.
• Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn on the cob is another great side dish that pairs well with these spicy skewers.
• Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with lime and mint helps cool down the heat of the chicken while adding a light, refreshing contrast.
• Garlic Bread: For a carb-filled side dish, serve garlic bread to soak up any extra marinade or dipping sauce.

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Conclusion

Sriracha Honey Chicken Skewers are a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish that blends the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Whether you’re grilling them for a family meal, a barbecue, or a party, these skewers are sure to impress with their bold flavors and juicy, tender chicken. With simple ingredients, an easy marinade, and straightforward grilling instructions, this recipe is accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

Enjoy these skewers on their own or pair them with your favorite sides for a complete meal. The tips, variations, and storage ideas provided will help you customize the recipe to suit your tastes and make it a go-to dish for any occasion. Let the combination of sriracha and honey take your grilling game to the next level—these skewers are bound to be a hit!