Chipotle Honey Chicken Skewers Recipe
Introduction
Chipotle Honey Chicken Skewers offer a perfect balance of smoky heat and sweet honey glaze. These tender, flavorful bites are ideal for grilling and making any meal feel special. Ready in just a couple of hours including marinating time, they’re a great choice for summer cookouts or a tasty dinner.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a blender or bowl, combine chipotle peppers in adobo, honey, minced garlic, lime juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and soy sauce if using. Blend or whisk until smooth to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2 hours, to let the flavors develop.
- Step 3: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto soaked wooden or metal skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces for even cooking.
- Step 4: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until the chicken is cooked through and has caramelized edges.
- Step 5: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest briefly to retain their juices. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy.
Tips & Variations
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- For a milder version, reduce the chipotle peppers or remove the seeds before blending.
- Add chopped fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for extra flavor.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier results, or chicken breast for a leaner option.
Storage
Store cooked chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or in a warm oven to avoid drying out the meat. For longer storage, freeze cooked skewers wrapped tightly for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken for even marinating and grilling. Using frozen chicken may result in uneven cooking.
What can I serve with these skewers?
They pair well with grilled vegetables, rice, fresh salads, or warm tortillas for a delicious and balanced meal.
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Chipotle Honey Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Chipotle Honey Chicken Skewers offer a perfect balance of smoky heat and sweet honey glaze, marinated to infuse deep flavors and grilled to juicy perfection. Ideal for a flavorful and easy backyard barbecue or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Marinade
- 2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a blender or bowl, combine the chipotle peppers in adobo, honey, minced garlic, lime juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and optional soy sauce. Blend or whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined to form a flavorful marinade base.
- Marinate the Chicken: Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 hours, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto soaked wooden or metal skewers, spacing the pieces slightly apart for even cooking and heat circulation.
- Grill the Skewers: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, until the chicken is cooked through and has caramelized edges, indicating a perfect char and juicy interior.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the skewers from the grill and allow them to rest briefly to lock in the juices. Garnish as desired and serve with your favorite sides for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Adjust the number of chipotle peppers to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier result.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- These skewers pair well with grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chipotle honey chicken skewers, grilled chicken skewers, smoky chicken recipe, honey glazed chicken, barbecue chicken, easy chicken skewers, grilled dinner
