These Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers are the perfect mix of sweet and spicy! Tender chicken pieces are marinated in a delicious honey chipotle sauce and grilled to perfection.
They’re easy to make and great for a picnic or a backyard BBQ. I love to serve them with a side of veggies; they always disappear quickly—everyone loves a good skewer! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs make the skewers juicy, but you can also use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat. Just note that breasts may dry out if overcooked, so watch them closely.
Honey: This is key for sweetness, balancing the chipotle’s heat. If you’re looking for a low-sugar option, agave syrup or maple syrup can work as substitutes.
Chipotle Sauce: For a smoky kick, chipotle sauce is awesome! If you can’t find it, blend chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a homemade version. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is great for marinades. If you need a different flavor, avocado oil or grapeseed oil can be substituted easily.
Cilantro: It adds freshness to the dish. (If you’re not a fan, parsley is a good alternative!) Just skip it if herbs aren’t your thing.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken is Juicy and Flavorful?
Marinating the chicken is crucial for flavor and tenderness. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix all marinade ingredients well, ensuring the honey is fully dissolved.
- Submerge your chicken pieces completely in the marinade. You can use a zip-top bag for easy mixing and to ensure even coverage.
- Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes; longer is better! Aim for 2 hours if you can. Just don’t go past 4 hours, as the honey can start making the chicken mushy.
Also, don’t rush the grilling! Letting the chicken rest post-grill helps keep it juicy, as it allows the juices to redistribute. Enjoy your skewers!
How to Make Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lb (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces)
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup chipotle sauce (or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, blended)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time for this recipe is about 1 hour and 30 minutes. This includes 30 minutes for marinating, a quick prep time of about 10 minutes, and around 12 minutes for grilling. Simple and full of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, chipotle sauce, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until everything is blended together nicely.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure every piece is coated well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have the time, letting it marinate for 2 hours will give it even more flavor!
3. Prepare the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 20-30 minutes to stop them from burning on the grill. Also, preheat your grill to medium-high heat so it’s ready to go!
4. Skewer the Chicken:
Take the marinated chicken pieces and thread them onto the skewers. Be sure to leave a bit of space between each piece so they cook evenly. This will give you perfectly grilled chicken every time!
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill them for about 4-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked all the way through and has gorgeous grill marks. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook!
6. Brush with Marinade:
During the last few minutes of grilling, feel free to brush any remaining marinade over the skewers. This enhances the flavor even more and gives them a nice glaze.
7. Serve:
Once grilled, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Then, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving. You can also serve them with extra chipotle sauce or honey on the side for dipping—yum!
Enjoy your flavorful Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers! They’re perfect for a BBQ or any occasion!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs with chicken breasts. Just be sure to cut the breasts into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Keep an eye on the grill time, as chicken breasts may cook a bit faster than thighs.
What If I Don’t Have Chipotle Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have chipotle sauce, you can blend canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce as a substitute. Simply blend a couple of peppers with some adobo sauce until smooth. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference!
How Should I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on a grill over low heat to maintain their flavor and texture.
Can I Make These Skewers on a Stove or in the Oven?
Definitely! If you don’t have a grill, you can cook these skewers on a stovetop grill pan or in the oven. For the oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C) and bake the skewers on a lined baking sheet for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
