Sizzling Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe

Seared chicken skewers with honey chipotle glaze offer a mouthwatering dance of sweet and spicy flavors that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Smoky chipotle peppers infuse each tender bite with bold complexity.

Grilling brings out incredible caramelized notes that transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Mexican-inspired marinades work magic on protein, creating depth and richness beyond basic recipes.

Fresh ingredients elevate this dish from ordinary to spectacular.

Our simple technique ensures juicy, perfectly charred chicken every single time.

Jump into this culinary adventure and savor every delicious moment.

What Makes These Chipotle Skewers So Bold & Sweet

• Spark Quick Flavor Explosion: Combines sweet honey with spicy chipotle for a mouthwatering taste that surprises and delights taste buds in every single bite.
• Simplify Grilling Adventure: Requires minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients, making it accessible for beginners and experienced grillers wanting a hassle-free meal preparation.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Versatile dish perfect for summer gatherings, family dinners, and casual weekend cookouts that everyone from kids to adults will absolutely love.
• Customize with Ease: Allows flexible serving options like pairing with rice, salad, or as a standalone protein, giving multiple meal possibilities without complicated adjustments.

Ingredients for Honey Chipotle Chicken Skewers

• Chicken: Tender meat that serves as the primary ingredient for these delicious skewers.

• Honey: Provides a sweet base and helps create a caramelized glaze.
• Chipotle Sauce: Adds smoky and spicy flavor to the chicken.
• Soy Sauce: Brings depth and umami to the marinade.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and keeps the chicken moist.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic and savory notes to the marinade.

• Ground Cumin, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Combine to create a well-rounded and complex flavor profile for the chicken.

• Wooden Skewers, Cilantro: Essential for grilling and adding fresh herbaceous finishing touch to the dish.

How to Grill Honey Chipotle Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Whip Up the Zesty Marinade

• Honey
• Chipotle sauce
• Soy sauce
• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Ground cumin
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes a smooth, tantalizing blend that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Dive into Marination Magic

Toss the chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring each morsel gets completely coated in the delicious mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken hang out in the refrigerator. Give it at least 30 minutes to soak up all those incredible flavors – but if you can wait 2 hours, you’ll be rewarded with even more intense taste!

Step 3: Prep Your Grilling Arsenal

If you’re using wooden skewers, give them a quick bath in water for 20-30 minutes. This prevents them from turning into tiny torches on the grill. Meanwhile, fire up your grill to medium-high heat, getting it nice and ready for some serious cooking action.

Step 4: Skewer with Style

Start threading those marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers. Leave a little breathing room between each piece to ensure even cooking. This technique guarantees perfectly grilled chicken that’ll have everyone asking for your secret.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Lay those beautiful skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 4-6 minutes on each side, watching for those gorgeous grill marks and ensuring the chicken is cooked through. Keep a watchful eye to prevent any charred disasters!

Step 6: Glaze and Elevate

During the final moments of grilling, grab your remaining marinade and brush it lovingly over the skewers. This extra step adds an incredible layer of flavor and creates a mouthwatering glaze that’ll make your guests swoon.

Step 7: Serve and Celebrate

Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few moments. Sprinkle some fresh chopped cilantro on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve with extra chipotle sauce or honey on the side for dipping. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!

Pro Tips for Sweet & Spicy Chicken Skewers

• Prevent Skewer Burning: Soak wooden skewers in water for 20-30 minutes before grilling to stop them from charring or catching fire during cooking.
• Maximize Flavor Absorption: Marinate chicken for at least 2 hours (instead of 30 minutes) to allow deeper penetration of honey chipotle seasoning and create more intense taste.
• Ensure Even Cooking: Leave small gaps between chicken pieces when threading skewers to guarantee uniform heat distribution and prevent undercooked sections.
• Control Grill Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat and watch chicken closely to achieve perfect grill marks without drying out the meat.
• Boost Final Flavor: Brush remaining marinade during last grilling minutes to create a delicious glaze and enhance overall taste profile of the skewers.

Flavor Twists for Honey Chipotle Chicken Skewers

• Spicy Mango Marinade Variation: Replace honey with pureed mango and add extra chili flakes for a tropical heat kick.
• Vegetarian Tofu Skewers: Swap chicken with firm tofu, using same marinade and grilling technique for plant-based protein option.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Substitute chipotle sauce with lemon juice, oregano, and rosemary for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Alternative: Grill chicken as instructed, then serve inside crisp lettuce leaves instead of skewers for reduced carbohydrate meal.

What to Serve with Chipotle Chicken Skewers

• Zesty Mexican Beer Pairing: Corona or Modelo Especial perfectly complement the smoky-sweet chipotle flavors, cutting through the honey's richness while refreshing the palate.
• Cool Creamy Sidekick: Cilantro-lime sour cream dip balances the spicy-sweet grilled chicken, offering a smooth, tangy counterpoint that enhances each bite's complexity.
• Bright Southwestern Salad: Corn, black bean, and avocado salad with lime vinaigrette creates a vibrant side that echoes the skewers' bold Mexican-inspired seasonings, adding fresh texture and complementary zesty notes.
• Crisp Citrus Beverage: Sparkling grapefruit margarita provides a zinging, citrusy contrast that highlights the chicken's chipotle heat while adding a festive drinking experience.

Storage Tips for Honey Chipotle Chicken Skewers

• Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain flavor integrity.
• Wrap individual skewers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place skewers on baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place skewers on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking. Add splash of water to retain moisture.

FAQ for Honey Chipotle Chicken Skewers

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but they tend to dry out faster. Cut them into uniform pieces and reduce grilling time to prevent overcooking.

• Is chipotle sauce very spicy?

Chipotle sauce has a smoky heat that’s moderate. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less sauce or choose a mild version to control the heat level.

• What if I don't have a grill?

You can easily make these skewers using a grill pan, broiler, or even baking in the oven. Just ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to create a gluten-free marinade. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling honey chipotle grilled chicken skewers bring Mexican-inspired flavors to your summer cookout, combining sweet and spicy notes. Juicy marinated chicken pieces caramelize perfectly over hot coals, delivering a mouthwatering experience you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Marinade Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup chipotle sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish and Tools:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Skewers (wooden or metal)

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking honey, chipotle sauce, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined.
2. Immerse chicken pieces completely in the marinade, ensuring total coverage. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours for maximum flavor infusion.
3. Submerge wooden skewers in water for 20-30 minutes to prevent charring. Simultaneously, heat grill to medium-high temperature around 400°F.
4. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto prepared skewers, maintaining slight spacing between chunks to guarantee uniform cooking.
5. Position skewers on hot grill grates, cooking approximately 4-6 minutes per side. Rotate carefully to achieve perfect golden-brown exterior and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. During final grilling moments, generously baste skewers with remaining marinade, creating a glossy, caramelized exterior that intensifies overall flavor profile.
7. Remove skewers from grill, allowing brief resting period. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and optionally serve with complementary chipotle or honey dipping sauce.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper, more intense flavor profiles that’ll make taste buds dance with excitement.
• Swap wooden skewers for metal ones to reduce prep time and eliminate pre-soaking steps, making cooking faster and easier.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing chipotle sauce to accommodate different heat tolerances without compromising overall dish integrity.
• Consider alternative protein options like tofu or shrimp for vegetarian or seafood variations that maintain the recipe’s delicious marinade essence.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 100mg