These Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers are a tasty treat! The sweet honey and spicy chipotle flavors make them so enjoyable. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up for a fun BBQ!
I love to serve these with a fresh salad or some grilled veggies on the side. Trust me, they disappear fast, and everyone is always asking for more! 🍗🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juicy flavor, but you can easily swap in chicken breasts if you prefer. Just be careful not to overcook the breasts as they can dry out more quickly.
Honey: Honey gives a lovely sweetness. If you want a lower-calorie option, maple syrup can be a great substitution, adding its unique richness while keeping the sweetness.
Chipotle Peppers: Chipotle in adobo adds heat and smokiness. If you can’t find it, you can use a teaspoon of cayenne pepper mixed with a bit of liquid smoke for a similar flavor profile.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This ingredient balances the sweetness. You could also use white wine vinegar or rice vinegar if you have those on hand—they’ll do the job well.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth, but garlic powder can be a quick alternative if you’re short on fresh cloves. Just remember to adjust the amount since powder is more concentrated.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken Skewers Are Juicy and Flavorful?
Marinating the chicken is key for flavor and moisture! Start with mixing the marinade thoroughly to blend the honey and spices. After combining with the chicken, let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour—overnight is even better for maximum flavor.
- Make sure each piece of chicken is well-coated in the marinade. This helps lock in moisture as they cook.
- When grilling, keep an eye on your skewers; turning them every few minutes helps them cook evenly and achieve a lovely char.
- Use a meat thermometer to check if they’re done—165°F (75°C) is what you’re aiming for.
- Let them rest before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping each bite juicy!
How to Make Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and at least 1 hour to marinate the chicken. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them for 30 minutes, plus an additional 10-15 minutes for grilling. Overall, you can enjoy these delicious skewers in about 1.5 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent them from burning when you grill the chicken. If you’re using metal skewers, you’re good to go!
2. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, mix together the honey, minced chipotle peppers, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well until combined. This sauce will add amazing flavor to your chicken!
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Now, add the bite-sized pieces of chicken to the marinade. Make sure every piece is well-coated in the delicious sauce! Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it refrigerate for at least 1 hour. If you want to prep ahead, you can let it marinate overnight for even better flavor.
4. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will create a nice char on the outside of the chicken while keeping it juicy inside.
5. Thread the Chicken onto Skewers:
Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge. Carefully thread the chicken pieces onto the soaked (or metal) skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. This will help them cook evenly.
6. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes. Be sure to turn them occasionally for even cooking. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Let Them Rest:
Once off the grill, let the skewers rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy and flavorful!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle the skewers with chopped cilantro for a fresh touch. You can also serve them with extra sauce on the side if you like. Enjoy your delicious Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts are a great substitute, but keep in mind they can dry out more easily than thighs. To prevent this, marinate the breasts for a longer time, ideally overnight, and watch the grill closely to avoid overcooking.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or remove the seeds before mincing them. Alternatively, for more heat, you can add extra chipotle peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
What If I Don’t Have Apple Cider Vinegar?
No worries! You can swap it out for white wine vinegar or lemon juice, both of which will provide a nice acidity to balance the sweetness of the honey. Just use the same amount as called for in the recipe.
How Should I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave or briefly warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, being careful not to dry them out.
