Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers with Mango Salsa

Spicy honey garlic chicken skewers with mango salsa are a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines sweet, spicy, and savory elements. Perfect for grilling or oven-baking, these skewers feature juicy, marinated chicken paired with a fresh and tangy mango salsa. Ideal for summer cookouts, casual dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bold and Balanced Flavor: The spicy honey garlic marinade contrasts beautifully with the sweet and tangy mango salsa.
  • Versatile Cooking Options: Grill or bake the skewers to suit your preference.
  • Light and Fresh: A great option for a flavorful yet healthy meal.
  • Customizable: Adjust the spice level or salsa ingredients to suit your taste.
  • Great for Sharing: Perfect for parties, BBQs, or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Skewers:

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
  • Honey
  • Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • Garlic, minced
  • Sriracha or chili paste (adjust to taste)
  • Olive oil
  • Lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper
  • Wooden or metal skewers

For the Mango Salsa:

  • Fresh mango, diced
  • Red bell pepper, diced
  • Red onion, finely chopped
  • Jalapeño, minced (optional, for spice)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime juice
  • Salt

Directions

For the Chicken Skewers:

  1. Prepare the Marinade:
    • In a large bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, sriracha, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  2. Marinate the Chicken:
    • Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
  3. Assemble the Skewers:
    • Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
  4. Cook the Skewers:
    • Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.
    • Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the skewers on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Broil for an additional 1-2 minutes for a charred finish, if desired.

For the Mango Salsa:

  1. Combine Ingredients:
    • In a medium bowl, combine diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and chopped cilantro.
    • Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture and season with a pinch of salt. Toss gently to combine.
  2. Chill:
    • Refrigerate the salsa until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld.

Serve:

  • Arrange the skewers on a platter and serve with the chilled mango salsa on the side or spooned over the chicken.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Marinate Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-20 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

  • Vegetable Skewers: Add veggies like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers to the skewers.
  • Pineapple Salsa: Swap mango for pineapple or use a combination of both.
  • Less Spicy: Reduce or omit the sriracha for a milder flavor.
  • Coconut Rice: Serve the skewers with a side of coconut rice for a tropical touch.
  • Herby Twist: Add chopped mint or basil to the mango salsa for a refreshing twist.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftover chicken and salsa in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Warm the chicken skewers in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Serve the salsa chilled or at room temperature.
  • Freezing: Freeze the marinated raw chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.

FAQs

Can I use other proteins?

Yes, shrimp, pork, or tofu are great alternatives to chicken. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken.

Can I make the salsa ahead of time?

Yes, the salsa can be prepared up to a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until serving.

Can I use frozen mango?

Yes, thaw the mango and pat it dry before dicing to avoid excess liquid.

What can I serve with these skewers?

Serve with rice, quinoa, salad, or grilled veggies for a complete meal.

How do I make the marinade thicker for basting?

Reduce the marinade in a saucepan over medium heat until it thickens slightly, then brush it onto the skewers while cooking.

Can I bake the chicken without skewers?

Yes, bake the chicken pieces on a lined baking sheet, tossing halfway through for even cooking.

How do I adjust the spice level?

Increase or decrease the amount of sriracha to suit your spice preference.

Can I use bottled lime juice for the salsa?

Fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

Spicy honey garlic chicken skewers with mango salsa are a deliciously vibrant dish that brings together smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors. Easy to prepare and packed with bold tastes, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re grilling for a summer barbecue or baking for a cozy dinner, these skewers with refreshing mango salsa will steal the show.

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Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers with Mango Salsa

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These Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are packed with sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, perfectly complemented by a refreshing and vibrant Mango Salsa. This dish is ideal for summer barbecues, weeknight dinners, or any occasion that calls for bold, tropical flavors.

  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling or Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Fusion

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Skewers:

  • 1 1/2 pounds (700 g) chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha or hot sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if grilling)

For the Mango Salsa:

  • 1 large ripe mango, peeled and diced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt, to taste

Optional Garnishes:

  • Extra cilantro
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  • Marinate the Chicken:
    • In a large bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, sriracha, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
    • Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
  • Prepare the Mango Salsa:
    • In a medium bowl, combine the diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
    • Squeeze in the lime juice and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Toss gently to combine. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Assemble the Skewers:
    • Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
  • Cook the Skewers:
    • Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
    • Stovetop: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and cook the skewers for the same amount of time, turning occasionally for even cooking.
    • Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the skewers for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes for a charred finish.
  • Serve:
    • Arrange the cooked chicken skewers on a platter and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
    • Serve alongside the mango salsa for dipping or spooning over the skewers.

Notes

  • Mango Substitute: If mango is unavailable, substitute with pineapple, papaya, or peaches for a similar tropical vibe.
  • Marinade Tip: Reserve a small amount of the marinade (before adding the chicken) to brush on the skewers while grilling for extra flavor. Do not reuse the marinade that has touched raw chicken.
  • Storage: Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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