Tender, sticky balsamic and honey coated chicken skewers with fruity, sweet strawberry, kiwi and jalapeno salsa.  These sensational skewers are a perfect for Memorial Day weekend or any summer grill out! Hi-ya friends!  Happy hump day!  How has the week been treating you?  Hopefully it has been well, but in case it hasn’t, have no fear.  A long, extended holiday weekend is near!  Woot Woot!

Can you guys believe it’s almost Memorial Day weekend already?  I know I can’t.  Last year seemed to go by so fast, but it seems like this year is going even quicker.

Do you guys have any big plans for the long weekend?  The beach, road trip, boating or maybe camping? (<–or glamping.  I don’t judge)

Or maybe you are going to be like me and chill-ax… most definitely in your pajamas?  😉To me memorial weekend is the unofficial start of summer.  I know the first day of summer isn’t officially until June 20^th.  But, the upcoming weekend to me signalizes the go ahead to lazily lounge in the sun, sip tropical cocktails, add fruit to every meal and grill all the things humanly possible.

Memorial weekend also means paaaaartay!  To help you with the grub part of your holiday weekend a bunch of (<- over 50) fabulous food bloggers and myself have gotten together to bring you some fantastic dishes absolutely perfect for this weekend.

Since I have been all about the grill and fresh fruit recently, I decided to contribute some seriously scrumptious skewers that combine two of my favorite summer things to the Virtual Memorial Day Party.Balsamic & Honey Chicken Skewers with Strawberry-Kiwi-Jalapeno Salsa

These sensational skewers are a delicious combination of sweet and savory, which is everything my feed-me-summer-Seymour self is currently craving.

The balsamic and honey coated chicken is tender, sticky, and slightly sweet with notes of smooth, tart balsamic vinegar and smoky char from the grill.

The accompanying strawberry, kiwi and jalapeno salsa is refreshing, fruity and sweet with a touch of jalapeno spice and pops of minty freshness.  The salsa is unbelievably delicious on its own, or scooped up with salty chips, but it is out of this world delicious when piled high on the savory chicken skewers.

Succulent, bite sized pieces of chicken on a stick + heavenly fresh and sweet salsa = epic summertime eats.

For real, friends, these skewers need to be a part of your Memorial Day shindig… and on your regular grilling rotation.  😉
The Notes:

1. I cut my chicken breast into approximately 1’’ cubes. You can go bigger or smaller depending on your preference, just be sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly.
2. Confession: The first time I made these skewers I wasn’t paying any attention and accidentally used Worcestershire sauce instead of balsamic vinegar.  The skewers were still delicious, just not exactly what I had in mind.  Note, mostly to myself, always pay attention when you are cooking.  And make sure you don’t make the same stupid mistake I did… Worcestershire sauce and balsamic can’t be used interchangeably.  😉
3. The salsa is highly customizable. I left the seeds and ribs in my jalapeno, because I like a bit of spicy heat.  If you want a mild salsa, be sure to de-seed and remove the ribs from your jalapeno.  If you want a super sweet salsa, add honey to taste.  If you like kiwis more than strawberries, use 3 instead of 2 as directed.  Do you friends, and adjust the salsa to your liking.
4. If you are using wooden skewers for your chicken, always make sure you soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. There is nothing worse than your skewers burning apart and your chunks of chicken going rouge on the grill.

Sweet, savory and perfect for summer, these chicken skewers with strawberry-kiwi salsa belong on your Memorial Day weekend menu.  Until next week friends, Cheers – to a holiday weekend filled with magically delicious grilled eats… and plenty of R & R.

-xoxo-

Cheyanne

*After much thought, I have decided to take Memorial Monday off from the blog to enjoy the holiday.  Be sure to come back next Thursday, because I have an easy, delicious, frozen boozy treat for you!! 

**Check out the rest of the Great Blogger BBQ Recipes Below!

Appetizers

Korean BBQ Tofu Sliders with Kimchi Slaw by Hello Little Home
Corn, Black Bean, and Feta Dip by Lizzy is Dizzy
Crab, Bacon & Guacamole Crostinis by That Square Plate

Cocktails and Drinks

Blackberry Gin Slush by The Speckled Palate
Homemade Lemonade by Winstead Wandering
Blood Orange Mocktail by Body Rebooted
Fleur Collins Cocktail by Hungry Girl por Vida
Fourth of July Sparkler by Mixplorology
Black Stripe Cold Rum Cocktail by Honey and Birch
Fresh Watermelon Mojito by Twin Stripe
Mint Hibiscus Lemonade by The Little Epicurean
Wine Slushy by Living Well Kitchen
Basil Gin Lemonade by Glisten and Grace

Entrées

Salt Plate Shrimp by The Mexitalian
Jamaican Jerk Chicken Burgers by Simple and Savory
Roasted Vegetable Grilled Pizza with Garlic Herb Oil by Ciao Chow Bambina
Memphis Style Pulled Pork by Two Places at Once
Balsamic & Honey Chicken Skewers with Strawberry-Kiwi Salsa by No Spoon Necessary
Amazing Basic Spice Rub for Grilling by An Oregon Cottage
Mediterranean Chicken Kebabs by PasadenaDaisy
Smoked Porchetta Pork Loin by Tasty Ever After
Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork by Appeasing a Food Geek
Peach Barbecue Sauce by The Beach House Kitchen
Tuna Stuffed Sweet Peppers by SugarLoveSpices
Herb Marinated Steak Gyros Plates with Tomato-Onion Salad and Green Tahini Sauce by Feed Me Phoebe
Marinated Skirt Steak with Sweet Corn and Cherry Salad by Domesticate ME!
Sweet & Sour Chicken Kebabs by Tastefully Frugal

Side Dishes

Caprese Pasta Salad by Club Narwhal
Cranberry Almond Broccoli Salad by Two Sisters Kitchens
Coconut Milk Mac & Cheese by A Little Gathering
Cherry Quinoa Salad by Food Lovin Family
Cheddar, Corn and Bacon Potato Salad by Family Food on the Table
Lemon Rocket Pasta Salad by Lauren Caris Cooks
Green Goddess Potato Salad by Love & Flour
Red White & Blue Watergate Salad by A Joyfully Mad Kitchen
Zesty Potato Skewers by Pamela Salzman
Quinoa Tabouli by A Fork’s Tale

Desserts

Banana Pudding Ice Cream Cake by Feast + West
Strawberry Beer Floats by bethcakes
Cherry Cheesecake Dessert by The Little Blonde Baker
Light Berry Angel Food Cake by The Creative Bite
Lemon Cream Tarts with Berries by Girl Heart Food
Fresh Strawberry Muffins by Spiced
Lemon Pie Sundae by Flavours & Frosting
Strawberry Lemon Shortcakes by Dash of Herbs
Grasshopper Pie by 2 Cookin’ Mamas
Berry Mango Smoothie Pops by HÄLSA Nutrition
Mixed Berry Vanilla Bean Cake by Cake ‘n Knife
No Churn Cookies and Cream Strawberry Ice Cream by The Secret Ingredient Is
Coconut Blueberry & Vodka Ice Pops by Nik Snacks
Strawberry Key Lime Margarita Greek Yogurt Ice Pops by Beer Girl Cooks
Cherry & Rhubarb Tart by Crepes of Wrath

5 from 9 votes

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Balsamic & Honey Chicken Skewers {with Strawberry-Kiwi Salsa}

Prep Time

20 mins

Cook Time

10 mins

Total Time

30 mins

 

Tender, sticky balsamic and honey coated chicken skewers with fruity, sweet strawberry, kiwi and jalapeno salsa. These sensational skewers are a perfect for Memorial Day weekend or any summer grill out! 

Course: entree

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4

Calories: 272 kcal

Author: Cheyanne Bany

Ingredients

• Chicken:
• 1 Pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – cut into 1’’ cubes
• 2 TBS Balsamic Vinegar
• 3 TBS Honey , divided
• 1 clove Garlic – minced
• ¼ tsp Dried Basil
• 1 TBS Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Salsa:
• 10 large Strawberries – hulled and small dice
• 2 Kiwis – peeled and small dice
• 1 Jalapeno Pepper – minced*
• ¼ Cup Red Onion – finely diced
• 2 TBS Fresh Mint Leaves - chopped
• 1 Lime Juiced
• Pinch Salt and Pepper

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl whisk together the balsamic, 2 tablespoons of honey, garlic, basil and olive oil. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Transfer to a large Ziplock bag and add in the chicken. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to overnight, turning occasionally to make sure the chicken is evenly marinating.
2. Prepare the Salsa: In a small bowl, gently combine all ingredients together. Taste and adjust for seasoning. Set aside in the refrigerator until ready to use.
3. Preheat Grill to Medium-High: Thread the chicken onto skewers and set aside on a clean plate. Season with salt and pepper. Spray grates of grill with non-stick cooking spray. Cook the chicken, turning every 3-5 minutes, for a total of 8-10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through (to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F). Remove from grill and transfer to a clean work surface. Brush chicken with remaining 1 tablespoon of honey. Allow to rest for 2 minutes.
4. Serve chicken with salsa and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

*Serves: 2-4

*For a milder salsa remove ribs and seeds from jalapeno before mincing.
*Salsa is best on the day it is prepared.
*If using wooden skewers, be sure to place them in a shallow pan and cover them with water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.

Nutrition Facts

Balsamic & Honey Chicken Skewers {with Strawberry-Kiwi Salsa}

Amount Per Serving

Calories 272 Calories from Fat 54

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 6g 9%

Saturated Fat 1g 5%

Cholesterol 72mg 24%

Sodium 137mg 6%

Potassium 690mg 20%

Total Carbohydrates 28g 9%

Dietary Fiber 3g 12%

Sugars 21g

Protein 25g 50%

Vitamin A 2.9%

Vitamin C 112.4%

Calcium 3.7%

Iron 5.9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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