Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers With Mango Salsa Recipe

The Juicy Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers with Mango Salsa Recipe

Yourself savoring these mouthwatering spicy honey garlic chicken skewers that blend sweet and fiery flavors perfectly.

Summer gatherings demand bold, memorable dishes that spark conversation and delight taste buds.

Tender chicken pieces marinate in a zesty blend of honey, garlic, and chili peppers, promising an explosion of taste.

Succulent meat transforms into an irresistible meal when paired with fresh, vibrant mango salsa.

Bright tropical notes from ripe mangoes complement the robust spice profile, creating a balanced culinary experience.

Each skewer delivers a symphony of textures that dance across your palate with incredible depth.

Impressing friends with this simple yet sophisticated dish that looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality creation.

One bite will transport you to a world of culinary excitement that begs for another taste.

Why Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers With Mango Salsa Are Packed With Flavor

  • Burst with Vibrant Flavor Combinations: Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet honey, spicy sriracha, and smoky paprika that creates an explosion of taste in every bite.
  • Versatile Cooking Techniques: Easily adapt the recipe by grilling, using a stovetop pan, or baking in the oven, making it convenient for any kitchen setup or cooking preference.
  • Quick and Simple Meal Prep: Whip up a restaurant-quality dish in under an hour, with a simple marinade and easy-to-make mango salsa that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Tropical Twist: Impress family and friends with the fresh, zesty mango salsa that adds a bright, refreshing element to the spicy and savory chicken skewers.

What You’ll Need For Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers With Mango Salsa

Protein Base:
  • Chicken: Lean protein that absorbs marinade flavors well, boneless and skinless recommended for skewers.
Marinade Ingredients:
  • Honey, Soy Sauce: Sweet and savory foundation for chicken flavor, helps caramelize during cooking.
  • Olive Oil: Helps distribute marinade and prevents sticking, extra virgin provides best taste.
  • Garlic: Adds robust, pungent flavor, fresh minced recommended over pre-chopped.
Spice Blend:
  • Sriracha, Cayenne Pepper: Provides heat and spiciness, adjust according to personal spice tolerance.
  • Smoked Paprika, Black Pepper: Adds depth and smoky undertones to marinade.
Skewer Components:
  • Wooden Skewers: Soak in water before use to prevent burning during cooking.
Salsa Ingredients:
  • Mango, Red Bell Pepper: Provides fresh, sweet, and crunchy contrast to spicy chicken.
  • Red Onion, Jalapeno: Adds sharp and spicy notes to salsa.
  • Cilantro: Brings fresh, herbal brightness to the dish.
Garnish and Acid:
  • Lime: Adds brightness and helps balance flavors, fresh juice preferred.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile of both chicken and salsa.

How To Make Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers With Mango Salsa Fast

Step 1: Craft the Flavor Bath

  • Honey
  • Soy sauce
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic cloves
  • Sriracha sauce
  • Smoked paprika
  • Black pepper
  • Cayenne pepper

Whip these ingredients together in a spacious mixing bowl until they form a beautiful, glossy marinade. Drop chicken chunks into this liquid magic, ensuring every piece gets thoroughly coated. Seal the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to dance and mingle for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Step 2: Create Vibrant Fruit Salsa

  • Ripe mango
  • Red bell pepper
  • Red onion
  • Jalapeno pepper
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Lime

Dice the fruits and vegetables into tiny, uniform cubes. Chop cilantro finely. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and sprinkle a pinch of salt. Gently toss everything together, creating a colorful medley. Refrigerate until serving time.

Step 3: Thread Flavor Carriers

Slide marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving small gaps between chunks for consistent heat distribution. This ensures each bite will be perfectly cooked and deliciously caramelized.

Step 4: Fire Up the Cooking Method

Choose your preferred cooking technique:

Grill: Heat to medium-high. Cook skewers 4-5 minutes per side until chicken turns golden and slightly charred.

Stovetop: Use a grill pan or skillet on medium-high heat. Rotate skewers for even cooking.

Oven: Bake at 400F, flipping midway. Broil final 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness.

Step 5: Plate with Panache

Arrange kebabs on a beautiful platter. Scatter fresh cilantro leaves. Add lime wedges for extra zesty punch. Serve mango salsa alongside for dipping or drizzling.

Helpful Tips For Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers With Mango Salsa

  • Maximize Marinade Magic: Let chicken soak in the flavorful mixture for the full 2 hours to develop deeper, more intense taste profiles.
  • Customize Heat Levels: Adjust sriracha and cayenne pepper quantities to match your personal spice tolerance, from mild to fiery hot.
  • Grill Pan Brilliance: If outdoor grilling isn't possible, use a cast-iron grill pan for similar char marks and smoky flavor development.
  • Salsa Prep Pro Tip: Dice mango and vegetables uniformly for a balanced texture and even distribution of flavors in the salsa.
  • Make-Ahead Meal Hack: Prepare marinade and salsa up to 24 hours in advance to streamline cooking and enhance ingredient melding.

How To Store Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers With Mango Salsa Properly

  • Refrigerate Leftovers: Store cooled chicken skewers and mango salsa in separate airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheat Chicken Skewers: Warm skewers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
  • Revive Mango Salsa: Consume salsa cold or at room temperature, as reheating can make fresh ingredients mushy and lose their vibrant texture and flavor.
  • Freezing Option: Wrap skewers individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags, storing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Good Pairings With Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers With Mango Salsa

  • Ignite Tropical Beer Pairing: Crack open a crisp Corona or Modelo Especial to complement the spicy-sweet chicken skewers, letting the light beer's refreshing notes balance the dish's bold flavors.
  • Unlock Zesty Wine Match: Choose a chilled Riesling or Gewürztraminer with slight sweetness to harmonize with the honey and mango, cutting through the spice while enhancing the tropical salsa's brightness.
  • Boost Cocktail Companion: Mix a passion fruit margarita or a mango mojito to echo the skewers' vibrant profile, with the cocktail's fruity undertones dancing perfectly alongside the spicy-sweet chicken.
  • Enhance Mocktail Option: Blend a fresh pineapple-ginger sparkler that mirrors the recipe's complex flavor layers, providing a non-alcoholic drink that's equally exciting and refreshing.

Tasty Variations Of Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers With Mango Salsa

  • Tropical Coconut Infusion: Replace honey with coconut milk and add shredded coconut to the marinade for a creamy, island-inspired flavor profile that complements the mango salsa perfectly.
  • Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Swap sriracha for dried oregano and thyme, then incorporate crumbled feta cheese into the mango salsa for a Greek-style chicken skewer experience with bright, fresh notes.
  • Korean Gochujang Kick: Substitute sriracha with gochujang sauce, add sesame oil to the marinade, and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the finished skewers for a bold Korean-inspired twist with deep, complex flavors.
  • Pineapple Caribbean Style: Use pineapple juice instead of honey, add a splash of rum to the marinade, and mix diced pineapple into the mango salsa for a vibrant Caribbean-inspired version that brings tropical warmth to your plate.

FAQs About Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers With Mango Salsa

  • Why use honey in the marinade?

Honey helps tenderize the chicken, adds natural sweetness, and creates a beautiful caramelization when grilling, giving the skewers a delicious golden-brown color and rich flavor.

  • Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Absolutely! Reduce or eliminate the sriracha and cayenne pepper. You can also remove the jalapeno from the salsa to lower the heat level while keeping the recipe’s vibrant taste.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should look white throughout with no pink spots and juices should run clear when pierced.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce. Double-check all your ingredient labels to ensure they don’t contain hidden gluten sources.

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Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers With Mango Salsa Recipe

Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers With Mango Salsa Recipe


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4.6 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling spicy honey garlic chicken skewers with mango salsa bring Caribbean flavors dancing across your plate. Juicy grilled chicken marinated in sweet-hot sauce pairs perfectly with fresh fruity salsa, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1.5 pounds (700 grams) chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Marinades and Sauces:

  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) honey
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha or hot sauce

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Wooden skewers

Mango Salsa Ingredients:

  • 1 large ripe mango, peeled and diced
  • ½ red bell pepper, diced
  • ¼ red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small jalapeno, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt

Garnishes:

  • Extra cilantro
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Create a vibrant marinade by whisking together honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, sriracha, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
  2. Immerse chicken pieces thoroughly in the marinade, ensuring each morsel is completely coated. Seal and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
  3. Craft a zesty mango salsa by combining diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeno, and fresh cilantro in a separate bowl. Squeeze lime juice and sprinkle salt, gently tossing to integrate the ingredients.
  4. Carefully thread marinated chicken onto skewers, maintaining small gaps between pieces to promote uniform cooking and optimal heat distribution.
  5. For grilling, heat to medium-high and cook skewers 4-5 minutes per side until chicken achieves a golden char and reaches full doneness.
  6. Alternatively, use a grill pan or stovetop skillet, rotating skewers periodically to ensure even caramelization and thorough cooking.
  7. Oven method involves baking at 400F for 18-20 minutes, flipping midway, then broiling 2-3 minutes for a crisp exterior.
  8. Present skewers on a decorative platter, garnishing with fresh cilantro and lime wedges to enhance visual appeal and provide optional tangy accents.
  9. Accompany the dish with prepared mango salsa, allowing guests to spoon or dip as desired, creating an interactive and flavorful dining experience.

Notes

  • Maximize flavor by marinating chicken for the full 2 hours, allowing the honey and spices to deeply penetrate the meat.
  • Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing sriracha and cayenne pepper according to personal heat tolerance.
  • Create a gluten-free version by substituting soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for sensitive diets.
  • Prevent wooden skewers from burning by soaking them in water for 30 minutes before threading chicken, ensuring even cooking and preventing charring.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Jenna Stewart

Jenna Stewart

Head Chef & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-Table Cooking; Seasonal Menu Development; Visual Plating Techniques; Flavor Layering and Simple Prep Hacks.

Education

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern techniques, global cuisines, and flavor development, combined with real-world experience in restaurant operations, business management, and industry internships.

Jenna Stewart is the inventive spirit behind many of our standout dishes at Pro of Delicious Creations. A proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, she built her skills mastering both classic recipes and fresh, modern twists.

Now, Jenna celebrates the beauty of seasonal, local ingredients, often sourced from her garden and nearby markets, to create recipes that are bursting with flavor yet easy to follow. When she’s not experimenting in the kitchen, Jenna loves exploring nature on hikes and discovering new treasures at local co-ops.

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