Tender chicken skewers marinated in a spicy honey garlic sauce are grilled to perfection, then paired with vibrant, fresh mango salsa. This recipe combines sweet, savory, and spicy flavours for an exciting dish perfect for summer cookouts.
The marinade soaks into juicy chicken pieces, giving a sticky, flavourful glaze when grilled. The fresh mango salsa adds a refreshing burst of tropical sweetness and zingy acidity, balancing the spicy chicken perfectly.
These skewers are easy to prepare, grill, and serve, making them ideal for casual meals or entertaining guests. The colourful mango salsa also adds a festive touch, brightening your plate. They’re delicious, colourful, and sure to impress!
The chicken is marinated with garlic, honey, soy sauce, and chili flakes, creating a sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill or in the oven. The skewers cook quickly, locking in juicy, spicy-sweet goodness.
Enjoy these skewers hot off the grill with rice or a crisp salad for a complete meal. They’re perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or entertaining guests. Serve these skewers as a tasty appetizer or main dish with rice or greens.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- Perfect sweet-spicy balance: The honey garlic glaze offers a delightful mix of sweetness and heat, complementing the juicy grilled chicken perfectly with every bite.
- Fresh mango salsa: Bright, tangy mango salsa adds refreshing tropical flavour and texture contrast, balancing the rich, spicy chicken skewers beautifully.
- Easy and quick to prepare: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe a perfect weeknight dinner or crowd-pleasing party appetizer.
- Grilled to perfection: Charred, smoky chicken skewers enhance the flavour and texture, creating an irresistible combination that’s juicy inside and crisp outside.
- Versatile serving options: Serve as a main dish with rice or salad, or as finger food for gatherings, making it a flexible recipe for any occasion.
- Healthy and flavorful: Lean chicken breast and fresh ingredients create a nutritious, delicious meal that’s low in fat but high in taste.
- Kid-friendly with a kick: Mild spice levels can be adjusted, making this dish enjoyable for kids and adults alike with its approachable flavours.
INGREDIENTS
- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Bamboo or metal skewers, soaked if bamboo
For Mango Salsa:
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
- ½ red bell pepper, finely chopped
- ¼ red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
DIRECTIONS
- Step No.1: Prepare marinade
In a bowl, whisk honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, chili flakes, benefits of olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Step No.2: Marinate chicken
Add chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Step No.3: Make mango salsa
In a separate bowl, combine diced mango, bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Mix gently and refrigerate until serving.
- Step No.4: Preheat grill
Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Step No.5: Thread chicken on skewers
Thread marinated chicken pieces onto soaked skewers evenly, leaving a little space between pieces.
- Step No.6: Grill skewers
Place skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until chicken is cooked through and nicely charred.
- Step No.7: Serve with salsa
Remove skewers from grill and serve hot, topped with fresh mango salsa.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
- Marinate chicken thoroughly: Let the chicken soak in the honey garlic marinade for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavour penetration and tenderness.
- Use fresh mangoes: Ripe, juicy mangoes in the salsa provide the best sweetness and texture to complement the spicy chicken perfectly.
- Soak skewers if wooden: Prevent burning by soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
- Preheat the grill or pan: Ensure your cooking surface is hot to achieve good searing and grill marks without sticking.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers: Leave some space between chicken pieces for even cooking and better char development.
- Cook to safe temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe and juicy results.
- Serve immediately: For best taste and texture, serve the skewers right off the grill with freshly made mango salsa.
VARIATIONS
- Add pineapple chunks: Incorporate grilled pineapple on skewers for extra sweetness and a tropical flair that pairs well with honey garlic.
- Use thigh meat: Swap chicken breast for thighs to get juicier, more flavorful skewers with a slightly richer texture.
- Spice it up: Add red chili flakes or hot sauce to the marinade for a bolder, spicier kick.
- Make it gluten-free diet: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to keep the recipe gluten-free without losing flavour.
- Add fresh herbs: Garnish salsa or skewers with chopped cilantro or mint to add a fresh, aromatic note.
- Serve with rice or quinoa: Make it a complete meal by pairing the skewers with your favourite grain or a light salad.
- Try a yogurt dip: Offer a cooling side of yogurt mixed with cucumber and mint to balance the spice and sweetness.
SERVING AND STORAGE
Serving
Serve chicken skewers hot off the grill with fresh mango salsa and your favourite side dishes.
Storage
Store leftover skewers and salsa separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
FAQ
Yes, chicken thighs work well and stay juicy; adjust grilling time accordingly.
Marinate 30 minutes to 4 hours for best flavour without breaking down texture.
Yes, salsa can be made up to a day in advance and refrigerated.
Use a grill pan, broiler, or oven roasting as alternatives for cooking skewers.
Oil the grill grates well and soak bamboo skewers before grilling.
This recipe is quick and easy, perfect for warm-weather gatherings or simple weeknight dinners.
The recipe’s versatility allows you to adjust spice levels and ingredients, making it suitable for all tastes.
Whether served at a barbecue or casual dinner, these skewers bring exciting flavours and textures to your table.
Enjoy them fresh and hot off the grill with generous mango salsa on top for the perfect summer dish.
SPICY HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN SKEWERS WITH MANGO SALSA
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1.5 lbs 700g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes
For the Mango Salsa:
- 1 ripe mango diced
- ½ red bell pepper diced
- ¼ red onion finely chopped
- 1 small jalapeño seeded and minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Marinate Chicken:
- In a bowl, whisk honey, garlic, soy sauce, chili flakes, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add chicken pieces and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Prepare Mango Salsa:
- Combine mango, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, cilantro, and salt in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Assemble Skewers:
- Thread marinated chicken pieces onto soaked wooden skewers.
Cook Skewers:
- Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 5–7 minutes per side or until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
Serve:
- Plate skewers with fresh mango salsa on the side.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Marinate chicken up to 2 hours ahead for deeper flavor.
- Customizing the Flavor: Add fresh ginger or swap jalapeño for a milder pepper.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with rice, salad, or as party appetizers.
- Allergy-Friendly Options: Use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free soy sauce.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 2 days.
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