These Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers are packed with sweet and spicy flavors that make your taste buds dance! The honey gives a nice sweetness while the chipotle adds a bit of heat.
They’re perfect for a summer barbecue! I love how easy they are to make—just marinate the chicken, slide on some skewers, and grill. Delicious and fun to eat! 🍗
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: I always go for chicken breast, but you can use chicken thighs if you want richer flavor and juiciness. Thighs are also more forgiving if you accidentally overcook them!
Honey: If you need a substitute, maple syrup or agave nectar works well, but honey gives a unique sweetness that really enhances the dish. Just keep the sweetness level in mind when substituting.
Chipotle Peppers: These add a nice kick! If you can’t find them, try using smoked paprika and a bit of cayenne pepper. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
Olive Oil: This is a great choice for flavor, but feel free to switch with vegetable oil or avocado oil if you prefer. Both will work fine for the marinade.
Cilantro: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley can be a good substitute for garnish. It won’t give the same flavor but will add a nice touch of green!
How Can I Ensure My Chicken Skewers Cook Evenly on the Grill?
Getting perfectly grilled chicken skewers can be tricky, but here are some tips to help you succeed:
- Make sure your chicken pieces are cut into uniform cubes (about 1 inch) for even cooking. If some are big and some are small, the smaller pieces will cook faster.
- Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes before using them. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Preheat the grill well before placing the skewers on it. A hot grill creates nice sear marks and helps keep the chicken juicy.
- Leave a little space between the chicken pieces on the skewers to allow heat to circulate evenly.
- Turn the skewers occasionally to prevent one side from getting overcooked. Aim for about every 3-5 minutes.
Lastly, let the skewers rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute for more tender chicken!
How to Make Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2-3 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Skewers (wooden or metal, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 1 hour to marinate the chicken (or longer for more flavor). The actual cooking on the grill will take around 10-15 minutes. So, plan for a total of about 1 hour to 1.5 hours for the whole process!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced chipotle peppers, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and olive oil. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed, creating a delicious marinade to flavor the chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, making sure they’re all well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, then place it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, or for the best flavor, overnight if you have the time!
3. Preheat the Grill:
While your chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will help achieve those lovely grill marks and cook the chicken evenly.
4. Thread the Chicken onto Skewers:
Once the chicken has marinated, take it out of the refrigerator. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a bit of space between each piece so they cook evenly. This will help them grill nicely without steaming.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook them for about 10-15 minutes, turning them every few minutes. You want the chicken to be fully cooked through and to have beautiful grill marks on all sides.
6. Add Extra Flavor:
During the last few minutes of grilling, you can brush on some of the extra marinade to the skewers for more flavor if you’d like! Just make sure to use marinade that hasn’t touched raw chicken for safety.
7. Rest and Garnish:
Once the chicken skewers are done, carefully remove them from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps retain their juices. After resting, you can garnish them with fresh chopped cilantro—that adds a lovely touch!
Enjoy your Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers as a delicious appetizer or main dish! Perfect for gatherings or summer barbecues!
Can I Use Thigh Meat Instead of Chicken Breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and will add a bit more flavor and juiciness to your skewers. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized cubes for even cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce?
No problem! You can substitute with a combination of smoked paprika and cayenne pepper to achieve a similar smoky heat. Start with 1-2 teaspoons of smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne, adjusting to your taste as needed.
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them on the grill or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, just until heated through.
Can I Make The Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day in advance! Just mix all the ingredients and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, simply add the chicken and marinate as directed.
