Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that packs a punch of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors all wrapped up in one irresistible bite, then this Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Each tender chicken cube is marinated in a vibrant blend of honey, chipotle peppers, and zesty spices, then grilled to perfection with a slightly charred finish that brings out an amazing depth of taste. It’s the kind of recipe that’s not just easy to make but will also impress anyone lucky enough to share the meal with you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients might be simple, but each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors that make this Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe so special.

• Chicken breast (5 pounds): Cubed into even pieces to ensure quick, consistent grilling.
• Olive oil (1/4 cup): Helps keep the chicken moist while adding a subtle richness.
• Honey (1/4 cup): Adds natural sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken’s exterior.
• Chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (2 tablespoons): Imparts smoky heat that’s balanced beautifully by the honey.
• Lime juice (2 tablespoons): Brings brightness and a hint of acidity that lifts all the flavors.
• Apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons): Adds tanginess and tenderizes the chicken perfectly.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Provides an aromatic punch that infuses the marinade deeply.
• Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Introduces warm, earthy notes.
• Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Enhances the smoky profile without overpowering.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
• Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick of heat.
• Cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped): A fresh, vibrant finish sprinkled on top before serving.

How to Make Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Grill

First things first, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. A hot grill ensures lovely grill marks and that irresistible char that makes this Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe so fantastic.

Step 2: Cube the Chicken

Take your chicken breasts and cut them into uniform cubes, about 1 to 1.5 inches each. This size helps them cook evenly and stay juicy throughout grilling.

Step 3: Mix the Marinade

In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, honey, chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything thoroughly until the honey dissolves and the marinade becomes smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken cubes into a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece gets a generous coating. Seal or cover, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let those bold flavors soak in.

Step 5: Prep the Skewers

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 20 minutes while your chicken marinates. This prevents them from burning during grilling, keeping your skewers intact and making them safer to handle.

Step 6: Skewer the Chicken

Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto your skewers, spacing each one slightly apart to promote even cooking and allow the heat to circulate.

Step 7: Oil the Grill Grates

Before placing the skewers on the grill, lightly oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in oil, using tongs for safety. This step helps prevent sticking and makes flipping a breeze.

Step 8: Grill to Perfection

Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 4 to 6 minutes on each side, turning every few minutes to build up that smoky char. Keep a close eye and check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s safe and juicy.

Step 9: Finish with Freshness

Once grilled, remove the skewers and sprinkle generously with chopped cilantro. This fresh herb adds a lively, bright contrast to the smoky, sweet, and spicy chicken, rounding out this Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe beautifully.

How to Serve Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a simple garnish can elevate the presentation and flavor of these skewers. Fresh lime wedges are perfect for squeezing over the chicken, while a handful of extra chopped cilantro or thinly sliced red onions brings additional color and zing.

Side Dishes

Pair your honey chipotle skewers with light, refreshing sides to balance the bold flavors. Think grilled corn on the cob, a crunchy cabbage slaw, or even a creamy avocado salad for a cool contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress at your next gathering? Serve these skewers on a wooden board with individual bowls of dipping sauces like tangy yogurt ranch or smoky chipotle mayo. You can also place them over a bed of fluffy cilantro-lime rice for a hearty meal that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay flavorful and safe to eat for up to 3 days, making for convenient next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

If you want to keep this Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe on hand longer, remove the chicken from the skewers and freeze the pieces in a sealed bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, ready to thaw and enjoy anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat the chicken pieces in a skillet over medium heat to retain their juicy charred edges.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add extra richness to your Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs can take a little longer to cook through.

How spicy is the chipotle pepper in this recipe?

Chipotle peppers provide a moderate smoky heat, balanced by the sweetness of honey. If you prefer milder skewers, use less chipotle or remove the seeds before chopping.

Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time without grilling?

Yes, you can assemble the skewers and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before grilling. It helps flavors meld even further, but avoid leaving them too long to keep the chicken tender.

Is it okay to use metal skewers?

Metal skewers work perfectly and have the advantage of being reusable and not needing soaking. Just be careful when handling as they can become very hot during grilling.

What can I serve with this dish for a complete meal?

Combine your skewers with a hearty grain like quinoa or couscous, roasted vegetables, and a light salad for a balanced and satisfying meal that highlights the smoky-sweet flavors of the chicken.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to add a show-stopping, flavor-packed recipe to your grilling repertoire, don’t hesitate to try this Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe. It’s delightfully simple to make, bursting with rich, layered flavors, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Bring out your grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready for a deliciously unforgettable bite!

Print