These Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers are a tasty treat! Juicy chicken pieces are marinated in a sweet and spicy mix that makes each bite deliciously fun.
Grilling these skewers is a blast! I love serving them at cookouts. They disappear fast. Plus, they’re easy to make, which is a big win for busy days! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juiciness. If you prefer, chicken breasts work too, but they can dry out more easily. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey could be a great substitute!
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and helps with caramelization on the grill. You could swap it for maple syrup or agave nectar if you’re looking for a vegan option. Just remember, the flavor will change a bit.
Chipotle Sauce: This ingredient really gives the skewers their smoky kick. If you can’t find chipotle sauce, minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce work well. You could also use regular hot sauce for heat, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
Olive Oil: This adds moisture and helps the marinade stick to the chicken. If olive oil isn’t available, any neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil will work just fine.
Smoked Paprika: This is key for adding a smokey depth. If you don’t have it, regular paprika is a suitable substitute, but you’ll miss that smokiness. You could also try a dash of liquid smoke.
How Do I Make Sure the Chicken Stays Juicy on the Grill?
Grilling chicken can sometimes lead to dryness if you’re not careful. Here are some tips to keep your chicken juicy:
- Marinate well: Allowing the chicken to sit in the marinade for at least an hour (or overnight) really infuses flavor and moisture.
- Don’t overcook: Grill the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy!
- Let it rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after grilling helps the juices redistribute, keeping every bite moist.
- Space on skewers: When threading the chicken onto skewers, leave a little space between pieces. This allows for even cooking and better airflow.
How to Make Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons chipotle sauce (or 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Additional Supplies:
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour to marinate the chicken. After marinating, you’ll need an additional 10-15 minutes to grill the skewers. If you have time, marinating overnight will give even more flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, chipotle sauce (or minced chipotles), olive oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is mixed well so the flavors blend together.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cut chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken soak in those delicious flavors for at least 1 hour, or ideally, overnight if you have the time.
3. Grill the Skewers:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking. Grill the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve them garnished with fresh chopped cilantro, and if you like a little extra kick, offer some chipotle sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your tasty Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts are a great substitute, and they will work well in this recipe. Just be mindful that they can dry out more easily, so consider marinating for a shorter time—about 30 minutes to 1 hour should be sufficient.
What if I Don’t Have Chipotle Sauce?
No problem! You can use 1-2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce as an alternative, or if you want less heat, try adding smoked paprika and a splash of BBQ sauce for flavor. If you prefer a milder version, simply skip the chipotle and add more cumin and paprika for depth.
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps retain moisture better than microwave reheating!
Can I Make These Skewers in the Oven?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice color.
