Pecan-Jalapeño Chicken Skewers with Herb Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken cubes coated in a smoky pecan and jalapeño glaze, grilled to golden perfection for a flavorful weeknight meal. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 57 minutes pairs chicken breasts, pecans, honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 45 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup chopped pecans, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1/2 cup chopped jalapeño, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until well combined.
  2. Step 2: Place 1.5 pounds cubed chicken in a shallow dish and pour the pecan-jalapeño glaze over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated; let marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Step 3: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto soaked skewers, alternating with any remaining pecans and jalapeño pieces.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high (375°F) and lightly oil the grates.
  5. Step 5: Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning once halfway through, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred at the edges.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pecan-Jalapeño Chicken Skewers with Herb Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 57 minutes (45 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pecan-Jalapeño Chicken Skewers with Herb Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pecan-Jalapeño Chicken Skewers with Herb Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pecan-Jalapeño Chicken Skewers with Herb Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pecan-Jalapeño Chicken Skewers with Herb Glaze?

American grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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