Caramelized spicy chicken uses a blend of lemon, chilies, sweet-spicy honey, and herbs. It is cooked with fresh lemons and asparagus and then topped with a spicy honey butter sauce, making these lemon chicken skewers irresistible.
Table of Contents
Jump to:
- Sweet Spicy Blend
- Quick Marination Advantage
- What is Hot Honey?
- Choosing Asparagus Size
- Ingredients with Steps
- Instructions with Pictures
- Substitutions
- Variations
- Equipment
- Storage
- Cooking Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Air Fryer Recipes
- Chicken Recipes
- 📖 Recipe
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
- Have a Comment or Question?
Sweet Spicy Blend
These Honey Lemon Chicken Skewers with Asparagus are the perfect sweet-spicy blend. They feature caramelized pieces of chicken marinated in a mix of fresh lemon juice, chilies, sweet-spicy honey, and fresh herbs.
The chicken kabobs are cooked alongside fresh lemon slices and jumbo asparagus, then topped with a spicy honey butter mixture that adds a delicious kick. This easy dinner recipe is ideal for those looking to elevate their weeknight meals with minimal effort.
Hot Honey Chicken Craze
I did some serious background research before diving into these hot honey lemon chicken skewers with asparagus. I was initially planning to share my honey mustard chicken recipe, but I realized it was too common and overdone. Instead, I wanted to create something unique, inspired by the hot honey chicken craze.
This recipe features Mike's Hot Honey, which I love because its straightforward ingredients allow me to be creative in the kitchen. While I use Mike's, feel free to substitute with your favorite honey of choice—it's versatile enough to work in everything from Mediterranean to Asian-inspired dishes.
Quick Marination Advantage
One of the best aspects of this hot honey lemon chicken skewers with asparagus recipe is the quick marinade, which includes an onion-garlic paste that tenderizes the skinless, boneless chicken breast. Slicing the chicken instead of using chunks further reduces the marinating time.
Instead of using lemon juice, which can prematurely cook the thinly sliced raw chicken, this recipe incorporates sliced lemons to infuse flavor without altering the meat's texture.
The marinade, prepared at the start of the recipe, also features soy sauce for a rich umami flavor and is seasoned with crushed red pepper chili flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper, creating a well-rounded and flavorful dish.
What is Hot Honey?
Hot honey is a deliciously versatile condiment made by infusing honey with chili peppers. Its sweet-spicy flavor enhances both savory and sweet dishes.
Three popular brands dominate the market:
- Mike's Hot Honey, known for its balanced heat and sweetness, is perfect for drizzling over pizza or fried chicken.
- Red Clay Hot Honey has a more intense spice level and pairs beautifully with cheese and charcuterie boards.
- Bee's Knees Spicy Honey offers a milder heat that works well in cocktails or as a glaze for roasted vegetables.
Hot honey is used in everything from marinades and glazes to cocktails and desserts, making it a must-have pantry staple for adventurous cooks.
More Robust Recipes to Try
- Grilled Beef Skewers with Black Mushroom Rice
- Grilled Shrimp Garlic Jalapeno Butter and Cilantro Lime Rice
- Air Fryer Chicken Breast with Hot Honey Glazed Vegetables
- Hot Honey Sesame Chicken with Nappa Cabbage Stir-Fry
- Air Fryer Habanero Adobo Salmon and Yellow Risotto
- Air Fryer Honey Dijon Mustard Chicken Rice Bowl
Choosing Asparagus Size
When grilling, jumbo asparagus is essential for the skewers because of its sturdy texture and ability to withstand high heat without becoming too soft or overcooked. Jumbo asparagus also has a more substantial bite, satisfyingly contrasting the tender pieces of chicken in the chicken kabobs. Using thicker asparagus spears ensures even cooking and prevents the vegetable from burning before the chicken is fully cooked.
Ingredients with Steps
To prepare the Hot Honey Lemon Chicken Skewers with Asparagus, mix the crushed red pepper chili flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika powder, dried oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper for the seasoning. Then, set aside 2 teaspoons for the hot honey lemon sauce, and use the rest for the chicken marinade.
Cut the boneless skinless chicken breasts into ¼-inch slices, then blend garlic cloves, onion, avocado oil, hot honey, low-sodium soy sauce, and the reserved seasoning blend until smooth, pouring it over the chicken pieces. Marinate the chicken with fresh lemon slices for at least 15 minutes. Meanwhile, prep the jumbo asparagus and mix the hot honey sauce with fresh chopped parsley.
Assemble the skewers by alternating marinated chicken, asparagus, and lemon slices. Cook the skewers in an air fryer at 390°F for 10-12 minutes, in an indoor grill pan over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side, on an outdoor grill for 4-6 minutes per side, or in an oven at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway through.
Once cooked, glaze the skewers with the hot honey lemon sauce and serve with lemon wedges and your favorite side dish.
Culinary Glossary
This section provides concise definitions of key ingredients and techniques to enhance understanding and improve cooking skills related to this recipe. Check out the live Culinary Glossary here.
- Hot Honey - Honey is infused with chili peppers for a sweet and spicy flavor; see suggested brands.
- Kabobs/Skewers - Pieces of meat and vegetables threaded onto metal or bamboo skewers for grilling or baking. Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning during cooking.
- Jumbo Asparagus - Thick asparagus spears are ideal for grilling due to their sturdy texture.
See the lemon chicken skewer recipe card for quantities below.
Instructions with Pictures
Follow the instructions and cooking tips below using the step-by-step picture guide.
Marinate the chicken first, then prep the rest to allow enough time to marinate. Slice thin to allow quicker flavor infusion. Get more tips on Cutting Chicken.
Alternating the ingredients in the same order creates an appetizing presentation.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free
- Butter - Replace the butter in the hot honey sauce with plant-based butter, or vegan ghee for a similar buttery flavor. Or use coconut oil. If you are lactose-intolerant, try lactose-free cultured butter.
What is ghee? This is a type of clarified butter commonly used in Indian cuisine, made by simmering butter to remove the milk solids and water, resulting in a rich, nutty flavor.
Gluten-Free
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce - Ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free since it is traditionally made with wheat, or use gluten-free soy sauce, tamari, liquid aminos, or coconut aminos as a substitute.
Vegetarian
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast - Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh and follow the same marinade and cooking instructions. For a plant-based vegan twist, substitute the hot honey with agave or maple syrup and a pinch of chili flakes.
What is Tempeh? Tempeh is a fermented soy product originating from Indonesia, known for its firm texture and nutty flavor, often used as a protein-rich meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Convenience
- Chicken Breast - Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.
- Asparagus - For a colorful variety, use what you probably already have or substitute with other fresh vegetables, such as bell peppers, red onions, or cherry tomatoes. If using pencil asparagus (asparagus can come in different sizes based on availability), try to choose the four thickest from the bunch so that they won't break when you pierce them with the skewer.
- Seasoning Blend - Replace the spice blend with Creole or Cajun seasoning for convenience.
- Dried Oregano - Substitute with chopped fresh oregano leaves.
Change Heat Level - You can Modify the heat level of this easy recipe to your liking and learn more about the Scoville Scale and Chili Pairings.
Variations
- Hot Sauce Variation - Instead of hot honey and chili peppers use regular honey with a splash of hot sauce, such as Tabasco, Frank's RedHot, or Sriracha.
- Fish Skewers - For a seafood twist, substitute chicken for bite-size pieces of fish like salmon, cod, or swordfish.
- Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers - For a zesty lemon pepper version, omit the honey and increase the lemon juice and pepper.
- Beef or Pork Skewers - For a heartier alternative, use steak or pork chunks instead of chicken, which pairs well with the hot honey sauce.
- Lemon Zest - Add a pinch of fresh lemon zest to the hot honey sauce before brushing it over the chicken kabobs for an extra burst of citrusy flavor.
Equipment
- Air Fryer - Used to cook the chicken kabobs quickly and evenly with minimal oil. This recipe was developed using the Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill. If you do not have an air fryer, try the following methods (instructions are on the recipe card):
- Outdoor Grill: - This is ideal for adding smoky flavor and char to the skewers, cooking them over direct heat.
- Indoor Grill Pan - A stovetop alternative to grilling, perfect for achieving grill marks indoors.
- Oven - A convenient method for cooking the chicken kabobs when a grill is unavailable.
- Skewers - I developed this recipe using the Ninja Foodi Stainless Steel 7.5-Inches Kabob Skewers (see photo). They are a perfect size; you can use them anywhere and right away. Or try these high-rated Blue Donuts 24-Pack Kabob 8-inch Skewers. Or you can use bamboo skewers soaked for at least 30 minutes.
- Food Processor - Used to blend the marinade ingredients into a smooth mixture. I developed this recipe using the EZBASICS Food Processor. I use the KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper for larger prep, which is tough enough to do the job and small enough to avoid finding space for a new appliance. Also, the best part is the drizzle basin that you can use to add the oil for excellent emulsification slowly.
- Mixing Bowls - Used for preparing the marinade, sauce, and other ingredients.
- Whisk - Essential for blending the butter mixture smoothly.
- Tongs - Handy for flipping and handling the skewers during cooking.
Kitchen Must Haves - Find other tools I use here.
Storage
- Refrigerator - To store in the fridge, place the chicken skewers in a 2-inch shallow pan to cool down quickly. Then, store in an air-tight sealing container. The chicken will last for up to four days.
- Freezer - Asparagus does not freeze well. I do not recommend freezing this dish.
Airtight Food Containers - I interchange glass food storage containers with plastic clipping lids or wooden push-ins. I always suggest glass storage containers because they can be microwaved, they hold food without staining, and the glass keeps the food at a more stable temperature, keeping it fresher and longer.
Try the OXO Good Grips Smart Seal Glass Rectangle Food Storage Containers or the Pyrex Freshlock Glass Food Storage Containers.
Cooking Tips
- Food Safety - Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Asparagus Grill Time tip - As noted in the hot honey lemon chicken skewers with the asparagus recipe, it is crucial that you use the thickest asparagus you can get if you are using pencil asparagus. You don't want them to break apart when piercing.
- What are pencil asparagus? They are called this because they are as thin as a pencil. When assembling, the recipe will call for two 1-inch asparagus sticks together; however, if you only have jumbo asparagus, you will only need one 1-inch stick. The benefit of all the ingredients skewered together is to help even cooking time. So, along with the meat, the asparagus will cook nicely within 8 minutes of cooking time.
- A Slicing Chicken Trick - Slice chicken on a cutting board for raw poultry into ¼-inch slices. For example, this will help prevent cross-contamination between raw and cooked ingredients. For best practice, thaw out only halfway to get even slices using frozen chicken. Learn more about prepping chicken.
- Asparagus Ideas - If you have leftover asparagus, you can make a vegetable stir-fry or chicken asparagus stir-fry. Chop them up and add them to an omelet for breakfast or into rice or any whole-grain pilaf.
Your Cooking Tips Resource Guide - Become a better home cook with tips to help you cook more efficiently on the Cook's Notebook tab. Click here for an extended live Culinary Glossary. Check out the Easy 15-Minute Marinade for Beef Kabobs; learn how to marinate kebabs, not just beef.
Frequently Asked Questions
Soak bamboo skewers for at least 30 minutes before prepping. This helps prevent fire when cooking with high dry heat. I developed this recipe using the Ninja Foodi Stainless Steel 7.5-Inches Kabob Skewers (see photos above).
They are a perfect size, so you can use them anywhere and right away. You can also try these highly rated Blue Donuts 24-Pack Kabob 8-inch Skewers.
They are called this because they are as thin as a pencil.
It's honey infused with chili peppers with some vinegar. It is usually promoted to serve on pizza, like Mike's Hot Honey. But it is a great, quick way to add sweetness and heat to any dish. Disclaimer: I am not sponsored by this company; I just use it often.
Ghee is originally from India. It's clarified butter, where milk solids are removed, leaving a clear yellow oil—just fat. You might also be lucky enough to find it at your local market.
These oils can withstand high heat at 400 degrees or more before smoking. I recommend avocado or canola oil; learn more about high-smoking point oils.
Yes, just make sure to soak the bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
Cook the chicken kabobs over medium-high heat and brush with the butter mixture during grilling to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
Bell peppers, red onions, and cherry tomatoes are great alternatives that add color and flavor to the skewers.
Air Fryer Recipes
Are you looking for other air fryer recipes like this? Try these:
- Beituti Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowl | Quick and Easy
- Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma | Quick with Beituti
- Easy 15-Minute Marinade for Beef Kabobs
- Grilled Zhug Ras El Hanout Lamb Chops and Tomato Salad
Chicken Recipes
Are you looking for other air fryer recipes like this? Try these:
- Quick Spicy Potstickers | Chili Momo Tibetan Style
- Creamy Curry Chicken Gnocchi Soup | Caribbean Style
- Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder with Dumplings | Dairy-Free
- Best Peach Piri Piri Chicken with Fonio Kale Salad
📖 Recipe
Hot Honey Lemon Chicken Skewers with Asparagus
Ingredients
For Seasoning Blend
- 1 ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper chili flakes
- 1 ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika powder
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- salt and pepper to taste
For Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
- 4 garlic cloves
- ½ medium onion large chunks
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 4 tablespoons hot honey
- 2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce optional
- 2 -3 large lemons
For Hot Honey Sauce
- 2 tablespoons hot honey
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 -3 sprigs of fresh parsley
Rest of Ingredients
- 8 jumbo asparagus spears cut into 1-inch sticks
- Lemons for wedges optional
Equipment
- 4 Skewers 8-inch (30-minute soaked if wooden)
Instructions
- Save time in the kitchen: Read the instructions thoroughly, then gather and prep all your ingredients before cooking! Learn Prepping Tips.
- Prepare the Seasoning Blend: In a small bowl, combine and mix well the crushed red pepper chili flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Set aside 2 teaspoons of the seasoning blend for the hot honey lemon sauce, and reserve the rest for the chicken marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into ¼-inch thin slices and place them in a medium mixing bowl. Then, add garlic cloves, onion, avocado oil, hot honey, soy sauce, and the reserved seasoning blend into a food processor. Add and blend until smooth.
- Pour the marinade over the sliced chicken, ensuring the chicken is well-coated. Then, slice the lemons into less than ¼-inch thick slices and gently insert them in various places in the chicken marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture to a resealable bag, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.
- Prep the Asparagus: While the chicken marinates, cut the asparagus into 1-inch sticks and set aside.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce: Chop the parsley and place in a small mixing bowl. Then, add the butter to the bowl and whisk with the hot honey, chopped parsley, and 2 teaspoons of reserved seasoning blend. Set aside with a brush.
- Cut Lemon Wedges: If you plan to serve these with the lemon wedges, put them now and set them aside.
- Assemble Skewers: After the chicken has marinated for 15 minutes, assemble each skewer by alternating two folded slices of marinated chicken, two asparagus sticks, and one folded lemon slice. Repeat the process twice, ending with two folded slices of chicken.
- If Using the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit and set the cooking timer for 10-12 minutes. Place the skewers in the air fryer, spacing them at least half an inch apart for even cooking.
- If Using the Grill Pan: Heat the pan over medium-high heat and cook the skewers on each side for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and slightly charred.
- If Using the Outdoor Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high and cook the skewers for 4-6 minutes on each side, turning occasionally for even charring and full cooking.
- If Using the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, place the skewers on a lined baking sheet, and bake for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly browned.
- Glaze to Finish: When the skewers are done, brush the hot honey lemon sauce generously over the hot chicken skewers.
- Serve: Plate the skewers and brush with the remaining sauce and your favorite side dish. Serve with lemon wedges for added flavor.
Video
Notes
- This dish was served with Easy Spiced Brown Rice and Quinoa Recipe; click on the link for the recipe. If you plan to make the rice, ensure to begin cooking it before starting this recipe.
- This can also be served with steamed vegetables. For example, steam the broccoli florets before the chicken is done for 3 minutes.
- If you use wooden skewers, ensure they are about 8 inches long. To prevent burning, soak your skewers ahead of time for 30 minutes.
Nutrition
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