Smoky, sweet, and irresistibly juicy, these Chipotle Honey Grilled Chicken Skewers have quickly become my go-to recipe for everything from lazy weeknight dinners to backyard parties. Each skewer is glazed with a finger-licking balance of honey and chipotle, then grilled until caramelized and golden—pure barbecue bliss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The sweet honey and bold chipotle marry together, giving these skewers a punchy oomph and touch of sophistication.
- Crowd-Pleasing & Versatile: Whether you serve them at family cookouts or as a fun weeknight meal, everyone always wants seconds of Chipotle Honey Grilled Chicken Skewers.
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Impact: You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of pantry staples creates a show-stopping glaze worthy of any grill master.
- Fast & Fuss-Free: From start to sizzle, this recipe comes together in about twenty minutes, making it perfect for spontaneous cravings or last-minute guests!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about these Chipotle Honey Grilled Chicken Skewers is how each straightforward ingredient brings something special: smoky heat, sticky sweetness, vibrant color, or juicy texture. No fancy shopping required—just classic staples that work serious magic together!
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (32 ounces): Sliced thin, these cook up incredibly tender and soak up every bit of that delicious glaze.
- Raw honey (1/2 cup): Natural honey is key for a shiny, sticky finish and rich sweetness that balances the smoke and spice.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Adds depth, a hint of acidity, and bright color for a glossy, mouthwatering marinade.
- Apple cider vinegar (4 tablespoons): This gives a subtle tang and keeps the chicken juicy and lively.
- Chipotle chili powder (2 teaspoons): The heart of the recipe: smokiness, gentle fire, and unmistakable bold flavor!
- Fresh garlic (1 clove, finely chopped): Just a touch for aromatic zing that deepens as it grills.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Enhances and ties all the other flavors together, but you can skip it if you prefer a lower-sodium dish.
Variations
These skewers are endlessly adaptable—think of the chipotle-honey combo as a starting canvas! With just a small tweak or swap, you can make the Chipotle Honey Grilled Chicken Skewers perfect for your tastes or for whatever’s in your pantry.
- Extra-Spicy: Add a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo or a pinch of cayenne for flame-lovers.
- Honey Garlic Twist: Boost the garlic with an extra clove and drizzle with a touch more honey for a sweet-n-sticky finish.
- Swap Your Protein: Try the same marinade with shrimp or tofu for a fun twist—all the flavor, different textures!
- Oven-Baked Option: No grill? Just bake your Chipotle Honey Grilled Chicken Skewers for caramelized edges and juicy results every time.
How to Make Chipotle Honey Grilled Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Slice and Skewer the Chicken
Start by slicing your chicken breasts into thin, even strips—think about 1/2-inch wide. The thinner the strips, the faster they cook and the more surface area for that irresistible glaze. Thread the pieces onto wooden skewers in an accordion shape; this helps them stay juicy and ensures maximum flavor exposure.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Glaze
In a small bowl, combine the honey, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, chipotle chili powder, freshly chopped garlic, and a pinch of salt if using. Whisk until the sauce is completely smooth and glossy–it should have that signature brick-red chipotle color and a sweet, smoky aroma that instantly makes you hungry.
Step 3: Glaze & Grill
Spoon a generous amount of the chipotle honey sauce over your skewers, coating all sides. Place the skewers on a hot grill, basting and turning every 2-3 minutes. Keep a watchful eye: you want them caramelized and sticky, not burnt! They’ll be fully cooked and golden in about 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness.
Step 4: Alternate Oven Method (Optional)
If the weather isn’t cooperating, you can easily bake your Chipotle Honey Grilled Chicken Skewers in a 400°F oven for 16-18 minutes. Line your baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup, and don’t forget to baste halfway for that same sticky finish.
Pro Tips for Making Chipotle Honey Grilled Chicken Skewers
- Accordion-Threading for Juiciness: By folding the chicken strips back and forth onto the skewer, you get those gorgeous charred edges while keeping the inside juicy—not dry!
- Baste, Baste, Baste: Regular basting both before and during grilling builds up a glossy, flavorful crust that’s absolutely packed with smoky-sweet goodness.
- Watch Your Grill Heat: Medium-high heat is the sweet spot for getting that caramelized exterior without burning the honey glaze—too hot and the sugars will scorch.
- Slice Evenly for Even Cooking: Try your best to keep chicken strips uniform in thickness—this ensures perfectly cooked skewers from end to end!
How to Serve Chipotle Honey Grilled Chicken Skewers
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, thinly sliced green onion, or a few extra chili flakes for both pop and color. A squeeze of fresh lime over the hot skewers brightens up all those smoky flavors and makes every bite sing.
Side Dishes
Pair these Chipotle Honey Grilled Chicken Skewers with a simple cilantro-lime rice, fresh corn salad, or crispy slaw. They’re also amazing with grilled veggies, charred tortillas, or even a cool dollop of chipotle-lime yogurt sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or picnics, serve the skewers upright in a mason jar lined with parchment—super fun and hands-on! You can also slide the cooked chicken off into tacos, wraps, or throw the pieces over a big, vibrant salad for a complete meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftover Chipotle Honey Grilled Chicken Skewers cool completely, then slide the chicken off the skewers and store in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors deepen overnight, making for some tasty leftovers the next day!
Freezing
You can freeze cooked (or even raw, marinated) chicken pieces in a freezer-safe bag. When freezing, separate layers with parchment so the chicken doesn’t stick together—just defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating or cooking.
Reheating
To gently reheat, pop the chicken pieces (off the skewer) in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water or extra honey glaze, or warm in a 300°F oven until heated through. This keeps the meat juicy and the glaze sticky—not dried out!
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic option for Chipotle Honey Grilled Chicken Skewers. They’re extra juicy and flavorful—just slice them thin and follow the same method. Adjust the cooking time slightly if needed since thighs are a bit richer and need a tad longer to cook through.
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How spicy are these Chipotle Honey Grilled Chicken Skewers?
The heat level is moderate—you’ll get smokiness and warmth from the chipotle chili powder, but the honey balances it out. If you’re spice-sensitive, start with less chipotle and add more to taste, or go bolder for a real kick!
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Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! You can slice, skewer, and glaze the chicken up to a day ahead—just cover and refrigerate until ready to grill or bake. It’s fantastic for stress-free entertaining, and the flavor only gets better as it sits.
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What if I don’t have a grill?
No problem at all! Simply bake your Chipotle Honey Grilled Chicken Skewers in a hot oven for sticky, caramelized results. Line the pan for easy cleanup, baste as they bake, and enjoy all the flavor—no grill required.
Final Thoughts
Trust me—once you try these Chipotle Honey Grilled Chicken Skewers, you’ll want to make them for every occasion, from speedy weeknights to festive gatherings. They’re so simple, so boldly delicious, and guaranteed to impress. Grab your skewers and get grilling—your new favorite recipe awaits!
Print
Chipotle Honey Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 skewers 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling or Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Chipotle Honey Chicken Skewers are a perfect blend of sweet and spicy, making them a delicious addition to any barbecue or gathering. The tender chicken strips are marinated in a flavorful chipotle honey sauce and grilled to perfection.
Ingredients
Chicken Skewers:
- 32 ounces boneless and skinless chicken breasts
Chipotle Honey Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey, raw preferred
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 1 garlic clove, very finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
Instructions
- Slice the Chicken: Cut the chicken into thin strips and thread onto skewers.
- Prepare the Sauce: Mix honey, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, chipotle chili powder, garlic, and salt in a bowl.
- Marinate and Grill: Coat skewers with sauce and grill for 10-12 minutes, basting and turning frequently.
- Bake Alternative: Bake skewers at 400°F for 16-18 minutes until fully cooked.
Notes
- Each skewer uses about 4 ounces of uncooked chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
