Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe

Chipotle Honey Grilled Chicken Skewers are the ultimate balance of sweet and smoky with just the right kick of heat—perfect for summer grilling or shaking up your usual weeknight dinner. Every bite is glazed with sticky honey, fiery chipotle chilies in adobo, and just enough garlic to keep you coming back for more. This is the recipe friends beg for after one bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll only need a handful of pantry staples to create these unforgettable skewers, but don’t let the simplicity fool you. Each ingredient packs its own punch, lending bold flavor, a caramelized finish, and juicy perfection every time.

• Honey: The star ingredient for luscious sweetness and caramelization on the grill. It also balances out the heat of the chipotle.
• Chipotle chilies in adobo sauce: These bring deep, smoky heat and an addictive, slightly tangy flavor. Adjust the quantity to your spice preference.
• Apple cider vinegar (or lime juice): Adds a bright, tangy pop that keeps all the flavors fresh and lively.
• Soy sauce: A splash brings the perfect hit of savory umami and rounds out the sweetness and spice.
• Garlic (minced): Richly aromatic and savory, garlic always makes everything better!
• Cumin (ground): For a gentle, earthy warmth that pairs seamlessly with chipotle and honey.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Both work beautifully—thighs offer more juiciness, while breasts are leaner. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

Variations

The beauty of Chipotle Honey Grilled Chicken Skewers is how easy it is to make them your own—don’t hesitate to play with flavors, swaps, or additions that make the dish perfect for you or your guests.

• Make It Milder or Spicier: Use fewer chipotle chilies (even just one!) for a gentle tingle, or double up for a seriously fiery finish.
• Swap the Sweetener: Maple syrup is a lovely alternative to honey and gives a different twist with deeper, earthy notes.
• Try Worcestershire Sauce: Add a teaspoon to the marinade for an extra savory, complex depth—so good with grilled meats.
• Add Veggies: Alternate chunks of red onion, bell pepper, or zucchini on the skewers for extra color and nutrition.
• Diversify Your Protein: Turkey, pork tenderloin, or even firm tofu take well to this irresistible sauce.

How to Make Chipotle Honey Grilled Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Blend the Marinade

Add honey, chipotle chilies with adobo sauce, apple cider vinegar (or lime juice), soy sauce, minced garlic, and cumin to a food processor. Puree until you have a rich, smooth, and vibrantly fragrant sauce. This thick marinade is the secret to layers of flavor on every skewer!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Pour half of your chipotle honey mixture over the bite-sized chicken pieces in a large bowl or zip-top bag, tossing to coat every single piece. Let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes (overnight is even better!). Reserve the remaining sauce for serving—you’ll want it for dipping.

Step 3: Skewer and Prep for the Grill

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, allowing a little space between each piece for even grilling.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat and oil the grates. Grill the skewers, turning occasionally, until slightly charred and cooked through—about 2–5 minutes per side depending on your grill and the size of your chicken pieces. Don’t walk away—the honey will caramelize quickly!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer your gorgeous, golden skewers to a platter and drizzle or serve with the reserved chipotle honey sauce for dipping. Get ready for these Chipotle Honey Grilled Chicken Skewers to disappear fast!

How to Serve Chipotle Honey Grilled Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

A final flourish can take Chipotle Honey Grilled Chicken Skewers to the next level. Sprinkle with finely chopped fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a scattering of thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness. For a little extra crunch, some toasted sesame seeds or pepitas are lovely too!

Side Dishes

Round out your meal with perfectly simple sides—think grilled corn on the cob, fluffy cilantro-lime rice, a crunchy salad with avocado, or warm tortillas for wrapping up the spicy-sweet chicken. Even a bowl of smoky black beans makes these skewers feel like a celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, nestle the skewers on a platter over a bed of arugula and citrus slices for painterly style. Want to impress? Serve the skewers standing upright in a tall cup for easy grabbing. Or, turn them into street food: slip the grilled chicken off the skewers into lettuce wraps or tacos, drizzling with extra chipotle honey sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (it’s rare, but it happens!), simply let the skewers cool to room temperature. Store the chicken (off the skewers for easier packing) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked Chipotle Honey Grilled Chicken Skewers! Wrap tightly in plastic or place in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. The flavor still pops after thawing—just expect the texture to be slightly softer than fresh from the grill.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the chicken gently to avoid drying out. Warm in the oven at 325°F, tightly covered with foil, until heated through (about 10–15 minutes). Or, microwave in short bursts. Brush with reserved sauce to bring back that glossy finish before serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a fun, flavor-packed meal that’s irresistibly simple to make, give these Chipotle Honey Grilled Chicken Skewers a try. You’ll be hooked after the first spicy, sticky, sweet bite—promise! Fire up the grill, invite a few friends, and watch the magic happen. Enjoy!

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