These Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers are a tasty treat! The sweet and spicy blend of honey and chipotle makes every bite super flavorful. Perfect for summer BBQs!
Grilling these skewers is easier than it sounds. I like to soak the skewers first, so they won’t burn. Enjoy them with a side of veggies, and you’re all set for a fun meal! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juicy flavor. However, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat. If you’re looking for something different, try using shrimp or tofu for a tasty twist!
Honey: Honey adds a sweet touch to the marinade. If you’re vegan or looking for a substitute, maple syrup or agave nectar can work well too. Just keep in mind they might alter the flavor slightly!
Chipotle Peppers: The chipotle peppers in adobo sauce give a smoky heat to the dish. If you want less spice, try using just a little bit of smoked paprika instead. For a milder flavor, try roasted red peppers mixed with a pinch of cumin.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds robust flavor. If you’re short on time, garlic powder can work, though fresh has a more vibrant taste. 2 teaspoons of powdered garlic should suffice.
Lime Juice: This brings acidity to balance the sweetness. If you don’t have lime, lemon juice can be a good alternative. It offers a slightly different taste but still works well!
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Skewers Are Juicy and Flavorful?
To ensure your chicken skewers turn out juicy and full of flavor, marination is key! Here’s how to do it right:
- Combine your marinade ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth.
- Add the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated. Cover and refrigerate. Letting it marinate for 1 hour is great, but overnight is best for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high before threading the chicken onto skewers. Leave space between pieces to help them cook evenly.
Also, brushing some reserve marinade on during the last few minutes adds a nice boost! Just make sure it’s set aside before it touches the raw chicken.
How to Make Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2-3 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- Skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if wooden)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and at least 1 hour for marinating. If you want more flavor, marinate overnight. Grilling the chicken will take about 10-15 minutes. So, total time can be around 1 hour and 15 minutes or more, depending on marination.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Whisking the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced chipotle peppers, minced garlic, lime juice, smoked paprika, cumin, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed and smooth.
2. Marinating the Chicken:
Add the chicken chunks to the marinade, making sure they’re all coated well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour; for the best flavor, let it sit overnight if you can!
3. Prepping for Grilling:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure they’ve been soaking in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
4. Threading the Chicken:
Carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers. Remember to leave a little bit of space between each piece for even cooking.
5. Grilling Time!
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes. Turn them occasionally so they brown nicely on all sides. You want the chicken to be cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Extra Flavor Boost:
If you’d like, during the last few minutes of grilling, brush some extra marinade over the skewers for an added kick of flavor. Just be careful not to use the marinade that touched the raw chicken!
7. Resting and Garnishing:
Once done, take the skewers off the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This will help keep them juicy. Before serving, sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a fresh touch!
Enjoy your Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers with your favorite sides like rice, salad, or grilled veggies!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs, but keep in mind they might dry out faster. To prevent this, make sure not to overcook them, and consider marinating for a bit longer to help retain moisture and flavor.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you need a substitute for honey, maple syrup or agave nectar works well! Just keep in mind that these options might alter the flavor slightly, with maple giving a more robust taste. Use the same amount as the honey called for in the recipe.
Can I Make These Skewers in the Oven?
Yes! If you prefer to cook indoors, 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 once halfway through, until cooked through and slightly charred.
How to Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven or microwave until heated through. For more flavor, you can add a splash of lime juice before reheating!
