Grilled Chili Lime Honey Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Avocado Salsa Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet pretty simple to make, you’re going to love my Grilled Chili Lime Honey Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Avocado Salsa Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and a little spicy, all grilled to perfection alongside tender sweet potatoes and finished with a refreshing avocado salsa. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to meals for those busy weeknights or weekend cookouts.

💛

Why This Recipe Works

  • Balance of Flavors: The chili, lime, and honey marinade creates a perfect harmony of spicy, tangy, and sweet that keeps things exciting.
  • Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these in your kitchen already, making it an easy yet impressive meal.
  • One Grilling Session: Chicken, peppers, and sweet potatoes all cook together, saving you time and effort.
  • Fresh and Colorful Presentation: The avocado salsa brightens up the dish and adds a creamy contrast that’s simply irresistible.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe combines fresh herbs, citrus, and natural sweetness to create a marinade that deeply flavors the chicken. Meanwhile, sweet potatoes and bell peppers provide a smoky and slightly sweet bite that pairs beautifully with the cooling avocado salsa. Grab the freshest ingredients you can find for the best results, especially when it comes to the cilantro, lime, and avocado—they really make a difference here.

Grilled Chili Lime Honey Chicken, Chili Lime Honey Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Avocado Salsa, healthy grilled chicken recipes, flavorful chicken dinner, easy summer chicken recipes - Flat lay of bright orange sweet potato wedges, vibrant red bell pepper chunks, fresh green avocado cubes, a whole jalapeño pepper, fresh lime halves, sprigs of green cilantro and oregano, garlic cloves, and glistening honey drizzled on a small wooden spoon, all beautifully arranged with pieces of raw chicken breast chunks scattered artfully, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7
  • Chicken breasts: Choose boneless and skinless for quick cooking and easy grilling; cut into chunks so they cook evenly.
  • Extra virgin olive oil: Helps everything crisp on the grill and carries the flavors beautifully.
  • Fresh lime juice: Adds bright acidity that wakes up the whole dish.
  • Garlic: Fresh or grated garlic gives that punchy depth that canned garlic just can’t match.
  • Honey: Provides a subtle sweetness that balances out the chili’s heat.
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: Adds just the right kick to keep things interesting without overwhelming.
  • Fresh cilantro and oregano: These fresh herbs give a fragrant and earthy lift that makes the flavors pop.
  • Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other ingredients.
  • Sweet potatoes: Naturally sweet and hearty, they complement the spicy chicken perfectly.
  • Red bell peppers: Their sweetness and slight char from grilling adds great texture and color.
  • Avocado: Brings creamy richness which pairs so well with the crunchy, grilled elements.
  • Jalapeño: Adds a fresh spicy note to the salsa without overpowering.
  • Fresh basil (optional in salsa): A lovely fragrant twist if you want to experiment beyond cilantro.
📝
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of my favorite things about the Grilled Chili Lime Honey Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Avocado Salsa Recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Whether you want to dial up the heat, swap out herbs, or shift textures a bit, it’s totally flexible. I encourage you to make it your own — cooking is all about what tastes good to you.

  • Variation: I sometimes swap out oregano for fresh thyme or marjoram for a slightly different herbal flavor that’s just as delicious.
  • Heat level: If you like it hotter, leave some seeds in the jalapeño or add a splash of hot sauce to the marinade.
  • Side swaps: Brown rice works wonderfully, but quinoa or cauliflower rice would be great alternatives if you want something lighter.
  • Make it vegetarian: Use thick slices of halloumi or portobello mushrooms in place of chicken on the skewers for a tasty meatless option.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Chili Lime Honey Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Avocado Salsa Recipe

Step 1: Marinating Magic

The first thing I do is toss the chicken in that vibrant marinade— olive oil, fresh lime juice, garlic, honey, chili flakes, cilantro, oregano, and salt all combined in a big zip-top bag. This is where the magic starts happening! If you have time, let it chill in the fridge for an hour or even overnight, but 15 minutes works in a pinch. This marinade not only flavors the chicken but keeps it tender and juicy on the grill.

Step 2: Sweet Potato Prep

While the chicken marinates, chop your sweet potatoes into wedges and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. This simple coating helps them get beautifully crispy while grilling. Sweet potatoes take a bit to soften, so I like to cook them wrapped in foil to keep them tender and ensure even grilling without burning.

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

Thread the chicken chunks and red bell pepper pieces alternately on your skewers. This combo not only grills beautifully but ensures every bite has a little bit of that smoky sweetness from the peppers alongside juicy chicken. Brush the skewers lightly with olive oil so nothing dries out on the grill.

Step 4: Grilling Time!

Heat your grill, grill pan, or skillet to medium-high and start cooking the skewers, turning occasionally, until they’re cooked through and lightly charred — about 10 to 12 minutes. At the same time, place your sweet potato foil packet on the grill and turn halfway through. Patience here is key to avoid burning. You’ll want tender, slightly caramelized sweet potatoes that complement the chicken perfectly.

Step 5: Fresh Avocado Salsa

While the chicken and potatoes grill, mix up the avocado salsa by combining diced avocado, seeded jalapeño, lime juice, cilantro (or basil if you like), and a pinch of salt. This salsa is the ultimate fresh, creamy counterbalance to the warm, smoky chicken and sweet potatoes. I always taste it at the end to adjust acidity or heat, so don’t be shy about tweaking it to your liking.

Step 6: Putting It All Together

Serve your beautifully grilled chicken skewers and sweet potatoes over a bed of fluffy rice, then top with generous spoonfuls of avocado salsa and some freshly chopped herbs to finish it off. It’s a real crowd-pleaser, and I love how colorful and inviting the plate looks.

💡

Pro Tips for Making Grilled Chili Lime Honey Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Avocado Salsa Recipe

  • Marinate Ahead: Let your chicken marinate overnight if possible—the flavors deepen, and the chicken stays juicy while grilling.
  • Use Soaked Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Give each skewer a little breathing room so you get even charring and cooking.
  • Check Sweet Potato Tenderness: Use a fork to test – if it slides in easily, they’re ready to go and perfectly tender.

How to Serve Grilled Chili Lime Honey Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Avocado Salsa Recipe

Grilled Chili Lime Honey Chicken, Chili Lime Honey Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Avocado Salsa, healthy grilled chicken recipes, flavorful chicken dinner, easy summer chicken recipes - A white bowl shows a meal with three main layers. The bottom layer is white cooked rice that fills the bowl. Above the rice, two wooden skewers hold grilled pieces of chicken and red bell pepper, both having a slightly charred texture and mixed brown and red colors. On the left side on top of the rice, there are thick grilled sweet potato slices in orange with grill marks and sprinkled green herbs. On the right side, there are slices of yellow-green avocado with a light green sauce and small bits of green herbs on top. The dish is garnished with fresh green basil leaves. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and there are some lime halves placed nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always finish off this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro and sometimes a squeeze of extra lime juice. For a little crunch, a handful of toasted pepitas or pumpkin seeds on top of the avocado salsa is a game-changer. These small touches add brightness and texture that keep every bite exciting.

Side Dishes

While this recipe includes rice, I love pairing it with a simple fresh green salad tossed with lime vinaigrette, or even some grilled corn on the cob to lean into that smoky summer vibe. You could also serve it with quinoa or black beans for a protein boost and extra fiber.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or a fun dinner, I like to serve the skewers family-style on a big wooden board, surrounded by bowls of the sweet potatoes, avocado salsa, and rice so everyone can build their plates exactly how they want. Toss in some colorful tortilla chips on the side for a playful touch. It’s always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, keeping the chicken skewers, sweet potatoes, and avocado salsa separate to maintain freshness. The avocado salsa may brown slightly but tastes just fine if eaten within 1-2 days.

Freezing

Freezing the marinated chicken before cooking works great if you want to prep ahead; just thaw overnight before grilling. However, I don’t recommend freezing the avocado salsa as it doesn’t hold up well—best made fresh!

Reheating

For reheating, I gently warm the chicken skewers and sweet potatoes in a skillet or oven. To keep the chicken juicy, cover it loosely with foil. I add fresh avocado salsa just before serving to keep that creamy, fresh flavor alive.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this Grilled Chili Lime Honey Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Avocado Salsa Recipe without a grill?

    Absolutely! You can use a grill pan or a regular skillet on your stovetop. Just cook the chicken and peppers over medium-high heat, turning as needed until cooked through and nicely charred. You can roast the sweet potatoes in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, turning halfway, to get that tender, caramelized effect.

  2. How long can I marinate the chicken for best results?

    For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes, but ideally up to 4 hours or overnight. Just be careful not to marinate longer than 24 hours as the citrus can start to break down the texture too much.

  3. Can I prepare the avocado salsa in advance?

    You can prepare the salsa a few hours in advance, but since avocado tends to brown, I recommend adding extra lime juice and storing it tightly covered in the fridge. Best if eaten within 1 day for the freshest flavor and best appearance.

  4. What can I serve instead of rice?

    If you want to change things up, quinoa, couscous, or even cauliflower rice are excellent options. All soak up the avocado salsa and marinade juices beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Chili Lime Honey Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Avocado Salsa Recipe has become a personal favorite because it’s just so straightforward but packed full of layered, fresh flavors. Each time I make it, friends ask for the recipe, and it’s exactly the kind of meal that feels fancy without the fuss. I’m really excited for you to try it—you’ll love how simple it is to bring all these tastes together on your grill or stovetop, and how satisfying the final dish feels. So roll up your sleeves, fire up that grill, and make this recipe your own—it’s a little burst of sunshine on a plate you won’t regret.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Grilled Chili Lime Honey Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Avocado Salsa Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 15 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This vibrant Grilled Chili Lime Honey Chicken and Sweet Potatoes recipe combines tender chicken chunks marinated in a zesty chili lime honey sauce, grilled alongside sweet potatoes and red bell peppers. Served over steamed rice and topped with a fresh avocado salsa, this dish offers a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors for a delightful, wholesome meal.


Ingredients

Chicken Marinade

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite size chunks
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped oregano
  • kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

Grilled Vegetables and Sides

  • 2 sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
  • 2 red bell peppers, chopped into bite sized chunks
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for tossing sweet potatoes)
  • kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Steamed white or brown rice, for serving (about 2 cups cooked)

Avocado Salsa

  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
  • Juice from 1 lime
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro and/or basil, chopped
  • Pinch of kosher salt


Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a gallon size zip top bag, combine the chicken chunks with 2 tablespoons olive oil, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, honey, crushed red pepper flakes, chopped cilantro, oregano, and a generous pinch of kosher salt. Seal the bag and massage the marinade around the chicken pieces. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to overnight to develop flavor.
  2. Toss the sweet potatoes: In a medium bowl, toss the sweet potato wedges with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, a pinch of kosher salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Preheat the grill: Heat your grill, grill pan, or skillet to medium-high heat, preparing it for direct grilling.
  4. Assemble skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces and red bell pepper chunks alternately onto skewers. Ensure even spacing for uniform cooking.
  5. Grill chicken and vegetables: Lightly brush the skewers with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked and charred on all sides. At the same time, grill the sweet potato wedges placed on tin foil on the grill, flipping halfway through cooking. Grill until tender and lightly charred, about 10 to 12 minutes.
  6. Make avocado salsa: In a small bowl, combine diced avocado, chopped jalapeño, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro and/or basil, and a pinch of salt. Mix gently to combine without mashing the avocado.
  7. Serve: Arrange the grilled chicken and bell pepper skewers alongside the grilled sweet potatoes over a bed of steamed white or brown rice. Spoon the fresh avocado salsa on top and garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately for best taste.

Notes

  • For easy grilling, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning.
  • Sweet potatoes can be replaced with regular potatoes or butternut squash if preferred.
  • Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes and jalapeño in the salsa to control the level of spiciness.
  • Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the flavors but 15 minutes is sufficient for a quick meal.
  • If you don’t have a grill, use a grill pan or skillet on the stovetop for similar results.
  • Use fresh herbs for best flavor, but dried oregano can be substituted if fresh is unavailable.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

You Might Also Like These Recipes

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star