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 20th. 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:
- 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.
- 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. 😉
- 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.
- 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
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!
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Serve chicken with salsa and enjoy!
*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.
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Chicken skewers look delicious and the sauce interchange mistake 🙂 i also make such mistakes when iam lost in thought. This dish is awesome with rice and salsa. I should have this for lunch
This is totally summery and yummy! I love esp. that fruity salsa.
Why does all food seem more exciting on a stick?! I cann’t resist a kabob but chicken is my favorite kind and this salsa definitely sends these babies over the top – love how fresh (and easy) these look. Definitely will be making a regular appearance on our plates this summer 🙂
I’m so looking forward to the long weekend, too! And yes, it’s definitely the unofficial official start to summer 🙂 Have a wonderful lazy weekend in your PJs and enjoy a little extra R&R – you deserve it girl! XO
Have a great vacation, Cheyanne!
Yay! I’m sooo excited for Memorial Day Cheyanne! I love these skewers. Perfect combo of sweet and savory. That salsa sounds just fabulous. I love the hint of mint! I’ll definitely be adding this recipe to the summer rotation. I hope you enjoy your chill-axing weekend my friend! XO
Why can’t there be a long weekend every weekend, right? So fun! That extra day makes ALL the difference. This skewers are little bites of awesomeness, Cheyanne and LOVE that strawberry kiwi salsa! What a wicked combo! Hope you have a totally chill weekend in your PJs. Sounds perfect to me!
Dear Cheyanne, these skewers look absolutely delicious! Over the top. I love those heavy grill lines. I will be sure not to interchange the balsamic vinegar and worcestershire sauce, which is exactly something I would do. LOL. I am glad to hear that you are taking Memorial Day off. I am going to be taking some time off too, and I am also going to be scaling way back on my weekend musings to just whenever I can do it. It’s one of the things I love doing, but I guess the timing isn’t right. Here I sit typing, but I have strep. Crazy huh? Strep in May. It’s the third major illness I’ve had in about 6 months, I had influenza A twice (never had it in my life before), plus smaller illnesses sprinkled in — and I think this 43 year old body, mother of four, is saying “slow down and take care of me. Stop working so much. Enjoy life before it passes you by.” Since my food blog posts provide most of my traffic, it seems to be a no brainer to cut down on the weekend writing. But I’m having a tough time giving that part up, I just enjoy it. Just giving you the scoop my dear, I will probably write something about it this weekend for those who will expect a post. Cheers my friend, to a lovely weekend ahead with rest and relaxation and I look forward to seeing your frozen, boozy treat next week! XO
With this fabulous recipe, and all the rest…it’s looking like we have no excuse but to have a fabulous foodie time this weekend, and beyond! Love your skewers! The flavors scream summer!! Have a great weekend, my friend! Cheers! xoxo
Hurray for the start of SUMMER!!! We are having a big outdoor Mexican food feast with the whole fam this weekend – fingers crossed for good weather- and then chill-axing is definitely on the agenda for the rest of the weekend! These skewers are definitely going on the summer 2016 menu – pinning and happy, happy summer weekend! xo
Love food on sticks and this is perfect, especially with the spicy fruit salsa 🙂 Have a wonderful long weekend!!
I LOVE chicken skewers! These are so mouth-watering!
We are finally having some good weather this weekend, so we are going to spend as much time outside as possible. We are going to get the BBQ out. Wooo Hooo!
Honey and balsamic just go so well together, don’t they. These look super tasty.
Why oh why don’t I ever think to put meat on a stick!?!?! It’s the perfect party food because you can have your meat in one hand and your beer in the other! I’m loving your chicken honey balsamic business and that strawberry kiwi salsa sounds perfect for summer grilling! Good for you for taking the holiday off. I believe I shall join you! Cheers, girlfriend! XO
I think it’s going to be a pajama wearing and s’more eating weekend for me. That’s just how I roll.
This meal right here is summer on a plate. You always have the best flavor combinations. The mint/kiwi/strawberry/jalapeño combo in that salsa looks freaking wonderful. I want this chicken now! And then just pass a spoon because I’m eating the rest of that salsa just like that.
Our May long weekend in Canada was this last weekend and it was sunny and gorgeous for ONCE. Normally we have a big snow storm! Lol. Thank goodness for El Nino (Nina?)! I am kind of obsessed with balsamic vinegar so I am going to have to add this to the list of things to grill this summer!
These skewers sound amazing! And that strawberry kiwi salsa wants to be in my belly now!!
Love chicken skewers and can’t wait to try these! They look amazing ! Great recipe picks for the weekend, pinning! Have a great Memorial Day!
I picked up strawberries and kiwi at the store this week so I think it was destiny that you posted this recipe! It sounds SO tasty – I cannot wait to try! No official Memorial Day plans just yet but I think I need to add these to the agenda.
This is a recipe for my daughter: she loves chicken skewers and strawberries, this would make her very happy!
That pic summertime eats indeed – that Strawberry, kiwi, and jalapeno salsa sounds ooh-la-la delightful! Paired with that honey-balsamic and basil chicken – it makes for one memorable memorial day meal!
I hope you enjoy this long weekend, Cheyanne!
XO
We have zero plans for the holiday weekend and I won’t lie, I’m pretty pumped! haha I need relaxing time! Old lady right here!! 🙂 These skewers sound fantastic – I am LOVING the sound of that kiwi salsa!! Why have I never used kiwi in salsa before???
This looks like such a light and healthy lunch, Cheyanne – and I LOVE the strawberry kiwi salsa – such a great idea. No big plans for Memorial day – work has been too hectic so I’m going the chill out route. Maybe a big hike with friends but that’s about it. Hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend!
Taking the day off sounds perfect 🙂 It means more time to enjoy all the party foods…including these amazing looking skewers! Love the strawberry salsa too!
Taking a day off – yes yes that sounds perfect and always leaves me feeling more energised!! This looks perfect and such a delicious meal!
Fantastic summery recipe and even greater for a party! Have a great, relaxing weekend ♡
Wow! ! Taking a day off sounds awesome to me. These balsamic honey chicken skewers and strawberry kiwi salsa sounds like the best combination ever, Cheyanne. Such a perfect memorable memorial day meal This looks perfect and such a delicious meal! Wish you a great Memorial Day! <3
We don´t celebrate Memorial weekend here, but on the same day we celebrate the Canarian Day. People get dressed up in traditional clothes and the streets are filled with people attending the village parties 🙂 ps. I really love the idea of this strawberry and kiwi salsa, and I´m definitely making it this Summer!! Also, I really like the photo where you show all the ingredients, love that!! Xo
I’m confused. We don’t have any extended weekend in the near future; however, we just had one. So should I still answer your question about my plans?:) That’s not grilling, unfortunately – we still haven’t got a grill. Andrey says it’s too dangerous to leave me alone with this thing. Thus, I’m likely going to enjoy your recipes this summer. Don’t let me down – have a lot of awesome ideas like this one!
Drooooool! This post makes me so excited for summer and upcoming BBQ’s on the beach! I hope you have an amazing memorial day with your family Cheyanne!
How did I miss this gorgeous recipe yesterday?! Skewers are popping up everywhere, and I love them ALL! This one looks amazing, Cheyanne…that strawberry kiwi salsa is SO creative! I hope you get to enjoy your three day weekend. I’m actually moving on Saturday, so I’m really excited but it’s going to be busy! Pinning this beautiful recipe!
Girl, you better get outta those comfy PJs and get on down to that beautiful lake that you live near. I’m on a clean eating plan right now and luckily everything in your recipe is on it! Wooohooo!! Loving the kiwi salsa and I could and would put that on everything. Fish, pork chops, steak fajitas, or just serve with chips on the side. Yum!!!!! Hope you and Boy have a wonderful holiday weekend! 🙂
Happy Thursday! Boy, am I late to this party. Oh dear. 😉 Yeah, I so cannot believe it’s almost Memorial Day weekend already! Where did the time go? Seems like just two days ago that everything was covered in endless stretches of snow. Now we’ve got your skewers, summer bbqs and hopefully your upcoming beach weekend vacay to look forward to. 🙂
Glamping: so secretly-not-so-secretly something I wanna do! Oh come on… admit, so do you! I’m totally gonna make you go glamping with me one day. Lol. Imagine, with glamping we can actually have champagne cocktails in our fancy silk tent. Or something.
In the mean time, I’ll be drooling over this incredible strawberry kiwi salsa and sending over pics of these chicken skewers to my mama. 🙂 Big X’s and O’s to ya, my dear.
Praise the Lord for grill season. Seriously … I use the grill almost every night these days! These skewers will definitely be on the menu next week! 😀 Cheers love!
I am in love with the chicken skewers. Mouth watering. Great collection of summer recipes!
Whoa! Strawberry kiwi salsa sounds amazing! I want to put that stuff on everything! And then pairing those amazing flavors with balsamic honey chicken?! Girl, you’ve got some seriously flavor going on here! I would totally revert to my childhood eating abilities complete with a stick face and fingers 🙂
That salsa! OMG 😛 It looks like everything I’ve ever wanted in the summertime. I will definitely be lounging in my jammies a little more than usual this holiday weekend and will totally be grilling/sipping on cocktails poolside if it’s warm enough! Have an awesome weekend!
These would be just perfect at a summer cook out… Happy Memorial Day Cheyanne!
These are perfect for Memorial Day (or any day) . Love the salsa! Glad u realized it was worcestershire the first time, lol, that’s so some thing I would do. Have a great holiday! Take care.
What a light and delicious summer meal! That strawberry salsa looks amazing!
YUM! These skewers sound so delightful and perfect for a summertime get-together. And I love how you made a sweet salsa to top them. We’re gonna LOVE these when we try them, I have no doubt.
Thanks so much for participating in the Great Blogger BBQ with us today. This has been SO much fun! I hope you and yours have a lovely holiday weekend!
These skewers look absolutely awesome! And your pictures are so perfect! Love it.
Cheyanne, these chicken skewers are perfect for this weekend and I cannot wait to try your sweet strawberry, kiwi and jalapeno salsa!!!! and ENJOY the long weekend and your Monday off!!!!
these skewers are perfect for the long weekend or for any summer bbq. love that spicy sweet salsa! what a great idea to include all of these summer cookout recipes! i definitely need to bookmark this for the coming weeks! have a great weekend!
Summer IS here as far as this San Diegan is concerned and bring on the grilling! These look so tasty Chey and I might even have to use this strawberry, kiwi and jalapeno salsa on my churro chips for dessert. #DoubleBatchSalsa time! Have a great weekend! Cheers friend.
Wow, Cheyanne!! You create the most amazing, creative recipes! These skewers look delicious and I loooove the sound of that salsa! Yum! What a perfect summer dish!
The only thing I would change would be to use thighs to keep my husband happy. 😀
I love all of the fresh ingredients in this dish, Cheyanne. Summer is all about grilling in my house. I can’t wait to try this 🙂
I’m sure it was already said, but everything is better on a stick. Love this for summer. And, I was in a rut with a mango salsa. Will definitely try this salsa to spice up my life. Thanks.
I need to get a grill asap! There are all these summery recipes that i’m dying to try like these chicken skewers. All those flavors!
These skewers look incredible, Cheyanne! Now that Kyle and I have a grill, we pretty much use it every night, so these are totally going to make an appearance sometime soon! I hope you enjoyed your 3-day weekend! 🙂 Pinned!
These look SO FREAKING DELICIOUS!! I love the savory/sweet combo, and I am such a sucker for a fruit salsa…bet it pairs wonderfully with the balsamic chicken 🙂
I loveeeee me some chicken on a stick!