The Juiciest Chipotle Honey Chicken Skewers Recipe Ever

Smoky chipotle honey chicken skewers bring a fiery dance of flavors to your dinner table.

Weeknight meals demand something special that breaks the monotony of routine cooking.

Sweet and spicy notes will make everyone lean forward with anticipation.

Mexican-inspired marinades work magic on tender chicken pieces, creating irresistible bites.

Charred edges and glistening sauce promise a memorable meal that sparks conversation.

Minimal ingredients and quick preparation mean you can whip up this delectable dish faster than ordering takeout.

Grab your skewers and let the culinary adventure begin!

What You’ll Need For Chipotle Honey Chicken Skewers

• Chicken Breasts: Lean meat that serves as the primary protein for these flavorful skewers.

• Honey, Tomato Paste, Apple Cider Vinegar: A sweet and tangy combination that creates a rich, complex flavor profile for the chicken.
• Chipotle Chili Powder: Provides a smoky and spicy kick to the marinade.
• Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic warmth to the overall flavor.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the other marinade flavors.

• Skewers: Help to grill the chicken in a convenient and manageable form.
• Resealable Plastic Bag or Shallow Dish: Used for marinating the chicken and allowing flavors to penetrate the meat.

How To Make Chipotle Honey Chicken Skewers Easily

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Chunks

Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes, aiming for roughly 1-1.5 inch pieces that will cook evenly and look appetizing on skewers.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Honey
• Tomato paste
• Apple cider vinegar
• Chipotle chili powder
• Minced garlic
• Salt

Blend these ingredients until they form a smooth, rich marinade with a beautiful reddish-brown color.

Step 3: Marinate Chicken

Place chicken cubes into a resealable plastic bag or shallow container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece gets completely coated. Seal and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.

Step 4: Prep Grill

Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature. This ensures a perfect sear and beautiful grill marks on the chicken.

Step 5: Thread and Grill Skewers

Carefully thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers. Place skewers on the hot grill, cooking for 5-7 minutes per side. Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and displays a gorgeous caramelized exterior.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove skewers from grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.

Helpful Tips For Chipotle Honey Chicken Skewers

• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
• Adjust chipotle chili powder quantity based on heat preference, starting with less and adding more gradually.
• Pat chicken dry before marinating to help marinade adhere better and create a more flavorful exterior.
• Let chicken come to room temperature before grilling for more even cooking and juicier results.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches safe internal temperature without overcooking.

Fun Ways To Change Chipotle Honey Chicken Skewers

• Smoky BBQ Chicken Skewers: Replace chipotle chili powder with BBQ seasoning and swap honey for brown sugar for a classic barbecue flavor profile.
• Citrus Herb Chicken Skewers: Substitute chipotle powder with fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme, and use orange juice instead of apple cider vinegar for a bright, zesty marinade.
• Mediterranean Spice Chicken Skewers: Exchange chipotle powder with za'atar seasoning, use lemon juice instead of vinegar, and add oregano and cumin for a Middle Eastern-inspired version.
• Caribbean Jerk Chicken Skewers: Replace chipotle powder with Jamaican jerk seasoning, use pineapple juice in place of vinegar, and incorporate allspice and ginger for a tropical kick.

What Goes Great With Chipotle Honey Chicken Skewers

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to balance the smoky-sweet chipotle honey flavors, cutting through the richness of the grilled chicken.
• Complement with Fresh Citrus Salad: Create a light orange and grapefruit salad with mint to provide a bright, refreshing contrast to the spicy-sweet skewers, enhancing the overall meal experience.
• Serve with Cooling Cucumber Tzatziki: Prepare a creamy Greek yogurt dip with cucumber, dill, and garlic to soothe the chipotle's heat and add a tangy, cooling element to the dish.

Best Way To Store Chipotle Honey Chicken Skewers

• Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual skewers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place skewers on baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place skewers on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking. Add splash of water to maintain moisture.

FAQ Guide For Chipotle Honey Chicken Skewers

• What makes chipotle chili powder special in this recipe?

Chipotle chili powder adds a smoky, spicy flavor that gives these chicken skewers a unique southwestern kick and depth of taste that regular chili powder can’t match.

• Can I use different types of meat for this marinade?

Absolutely! This marinade works great with chicken thighs, pork tenderloin, or even shrimp. Just adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose.

• How spicy are these chicken skewers?

The heat level is moderate – the honey balances the chipotle’s spiciness, creating a sweet and slightly spicy profile that most people can enjoy without overwhelming their taste buds.

Why Chipotle Honey Chicken Skewers Are Sweet And Spicy

• Burst with Flavor: Combine sweet honey and smoky chipotle for a mouthwatering taste explosion that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.
• Prep Like a Pro: Marinate chicken quickly and easily, requiring minimal cooking skills and basic kitchen tools to create a restaurant-quality dish at home.
• Perfect Party Pleaser: Skewers make for fantastic finger food that impresses guests at backyard barbecues, potlucks, and casual gatherings without complicated preparation.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Delivers a delicious meal in under an hour, making it ideal for busy families seeking a fast and satisfying dinner solution that doesn't compromise on taste.

Chipotle Honey Chicken Skewers Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 40-44 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Chipotle Honey Chicken Skewers deliver a spicy-sweet Mexican-inspired grilling sensation that dances between smoky heat and delicate sweetness. Grilled to perfection, these skewers promise a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb boneless and skinless chicken breasts

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• 1/2 garlic clove, very finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Liquid and Sweeteners:

• 1/4 cup honey (raw preferred)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

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Instructions

1. Transform chicken breasts into uniform, succulent cubes measuring approximately 1-1.5 inches for consistent cooking and optimal marination.
2. Craft a vibrant marinade by vigorously whisking honey, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, chipotle chili powder, minced garlic, and salt until thoroughly blended and smooth.
3. Submerge chicken cubes completely in the marinade within a sealed container or resealable plastic bag, ensuring each piece is generously coated. Refrigerate for 30-120 minutes to allow flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
4. Prepare grill or grill pan, heating to medium-high temperature around 400-450°F, creating ideal conditions for caramelization and char.
5. Carefully thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, maintaining even spacing to promote uniform heat distribution.
6. Grill skewers for 5-7 minutes per side, rotating carefully to achieve beautiful golden-brown exterior and ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
7. Remove skewers from heat, allowing chicken to rest briefly for 2-3 minutes, which helps retain juices and ensures optimal tenderness before serving.

Notes

• Prep chicken uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor absorption throughout each skewer piece.
• Marinate chicken longer for deeper, more intense chipotle-honey flavor profile, but avoid exceeding 2 hours to prevent meat texture breakdown.
• Use wooden skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning during grilling, creating safer and more stable cooking environment.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chipotle chili powder quantity, allowing flexibility for spice-sensitive diners while maintaining recipe’s signature smoky-sweet essence.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-14 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 202 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 272 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 73 mg