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Chicken marinated in a sweet, spicy, and smoky honey-chipotle sauce, skewered up, and grilled to juicy perfection! These Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers are bursting with flavor, making them the ultimate summer finger food. Perfect as an appetizer, main dish, or served in tacos, salads, or sandwiches, this versatile recipe will become your go-to for any occasion.
The marinade blends the sweetness of honey with the smoky heat of chipotle chilies in adobo sauce, balanced by apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and cumin. The result? An irresistible combination of sweet, spicy, salty, and sour. With half of the marinade used to flavor the chicken and the rest reserved for basting or dipping, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious. Whether you're hosting a BBQ or simply craving a tasty dinner, these skewers deliver every time.
Why You’ll Love These Honey Chipotle Chicken Skewers
Sweet & Spicy Balance: The honey and chipotle chilies create a perfect harmony of sweetness and heat.
Quick & Easy: Marinate, skewer, and grill—it's that simple! Plus, the chicken cooks in just 10 minutes.
Versatile Uses: Serve these skewers as appetizers, in tacos, salads, sandwiches, or even wraps.
Perfect for Grilling Season: This is the ultimate summer dish, packed with bold flavors that scream outdoor BBQ.
Make Ahead Friendly: Marinate the chicken ahead of time for a faster cooking process, and enjoy leftovers in multiple ways.
Ingredients
¼ cup honey – Adds sweetness and a beautiful glaze.
¼ cup chipotle chilies in adobo sauce (from a can) – Brings smoky heat to the dish.
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or lime juice) – Adds a tangy bite to balance the sweetness.
1 tbsp soy sauce – For a salty, umami depth of flavor.
3 cloves garlic, minced – Adds an aromatic kick.
1 tsp ground cumin – Enhances the smoky flavors.
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy skewering.
How to Make Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers
Prepare the Marinade: In a food processor, puree honey, chipotle chilies in adobo sauce, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and cumin until smooth.
Marinate the Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces in half of the honey-chipotle marinade. Let it sit for 20 minutes, or marinate overnight for deeper flavor.
Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers.
Grill the Skewers: Heat your grill to medium-high. Grill the chicken for 2-5 minutes per side, or until charred and cooked through.
Serve: Serve with the remaining honey-chipotle sauce for dipping, or use it as a dressing for salads or tacos!
Tip: Soak wooden skewers in water before grilling to prevent them from burning.
Tips for the Best Grilled Chicken Skewers
Marinate Overnight: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. It allows the meat to soak in all the deliciousness.
Don’t Overcook: Chicken cooks quickly on the grill. Keep an eye on it to ensure it remains juicy and tender.
Adjust the Spice Level: Use fewer chilies if you prefer milder heat or add more for extra spiciness.
Use Thighs for Juicier Skewers: Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts, especially on the grill.
Baste for Extra Flavor: Use the reserved marinade to baste the chicken while it grills for an extra burst of flavor.
Variations
Make it Mild: Use fewer chipotle chilies for a less spicy version.
Try a Different Sweetener: Replace honey with maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness.
Add Worcestershire Sauce: For extra umami, stir in 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce to the marinade.
Make Veggie Skewers: Add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or red onion to the skewers for more color and texture.
How to Store and Reheat
To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can also enjoy them cold in salads or wraps.
To Freeze: You can freeze marinated chicken before grilling, or freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?Yes! You can marinate the chicken overnight, and grill it just before serving for the best results.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?Absolutely. Thighs are juicier and are a great choice for grilling.
How can I make this less spicy?Use fewer chipotle chilies or scrape out the seeds to reduce the heat.
Can I cook these in the oven if I don’t have a grill?Yes, you can bake the skewers at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
What can I serve with these skewers?These skewers pair well with rice, grilled veggies, or in tacos with fresh slaw and guacamole.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken?Yes, you can freeze the chicken in the marinade for up to 3 months. Just thaw and grill when ready.
What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?You can substitute lime juice or white vinegar for a similar tangy effect.
How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning?Soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to avoid charring.
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