Name: Honey Chipotle Chicken Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into 1½-inch pieces); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (minced); 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; Wooden or metal skewers

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If you’re looking for a way to bring big flavor to your next cookout, these Honey Chipotle Chicken Skewers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Smoky, sweet, and just the right amount of spicy, each juicy bite is kissed by the grill and zesty with a pop of lime. This is that magical recipe that makes everyone hover around the grill, asking for “just one more skewer”—deliciously sticky fingers included! Whether you’re entertaining or simply spicing up a weeknight dinner, the bold flavors and vibrant color make these skewers irresistible.

Honey Chipotle Chicken Skewers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need are a handful of everyday ingredients, but together they create something absolutely mouthwatering! Each item on this list plays a special role—some bring deep flavor, others add color or a punch of freshness. Here’s what you’ll gather for your Honey Chipotle Chicken Skewers:

Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Cut into hearty 1½-inch chunks, these are the canvas for all those bold flavors.
Olive oil: Helps the marinade stick and keeps the chicken juicy on the grill.
Honey: Brings the signature sweetness and helps create those caramelized grill marks.
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (minced): The star ingredient that brings smoky heat and depth.
Lime juice: Adds acidity that brightens everything up and makes those flavors pop.
Garlic powder: A simple way to infuse warm, savory notes throughout the chicken.
Smoked paprika: Deepens the smoky complexity and adds a gorgeous red color.
Salt: Essential for drawing out all the flavors in the marinade.
Black pepper: A subtle bite that rounds out the seasoning.
Wooden or metal skewers: Thread those marinated pieces so you’re ready to grill!

How to Make Honey Chipotle Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Make the Marinade

Start by grabbing a large bowl and whisking together the olive oil, honey, minced chipotle peppers with their smoky adobo sauce, zesty lime juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Take a moment to breathe in those bold fragrances—the combination is the secret behind the irresistible taste of Honey Chipotle Chicken Skewers.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken pieces to the bowl with the marinade. Toss everything together so each piece is completely coated. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes—or if you’ve got time, let the flavors mingle for up to 4 hours. This extra step makes the chicken incredibly flavorful and tender.

Step 3: Prep the Skewers

If you’re using wooden skewers, now’s the time to soak them in water for about 20 minutes. This important trick prevents them from burning on the grill. Metal skewers, on the other hand, can be used right away and are reusable!

Step 4: Thread the Chicken

Once the chicken has marinated, thread the pieces onto your skewers, packing them closely but not too tightly so the heat circulates and cooks each piece evenly. This step turns marinated chicken into fun, grill-ready kebabs that are easy to flip and serve.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lay down the skewers and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes so each side gets a lovely char and the chicken cooks through. For extra flavor, brush on leftover marinade as the skewers sizzle. You’ll know they’re ready when they sport golden grill marks and register 165°F inside.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Slide those sizzling Honey Chipotle Chicken Skewers off the grill and onto a platter. Serve them right away, with a few lime wedges for squeezing. That fresh lime juice adds a bright finish that’s absolutely addictive!

How to Serve Honey Chipotle Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

Finish your Honey Chipotle Chicken Skewers with a scattering of chopped fresh cilantro, a dusting of extra smoked paprika for color, or an extra drizzle of honey for more shine. Lime wedges on the side are non-negotiable—their tang is a perfect counterpoint to the smoky-sweet chicken.

Side Dishes

These skewers shine alongside fluffy cilantro-lime rice, grilled corn, cool cucumber salad, or even warm tortillas if you want to make mini wraps. Their bold and balanced flavors can hold their own with almost any refreshing summer side.

Creative Ways to Present

Try fanning the skewers artfully over a platter layered with lettuce leaves for color, or perch them over a bed of seasoned rice. For parties, arrange them upright in a mason jar so guests can grab and mingle—or serve mini single-bite versions for fun appetizers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Honey Chipotle Chicken Skewers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the skewers assembled for easy snacking, or slide the chicken off the skewers to use in salads and wraps.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked skewers by wrapping them tightly in foil and storing in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the pieces after removing from the skewers, so they’re easier to reheat and add to other dishes when needed.

Reheating

To keep them juicy, gently reheat leftover chicken in a covered skillet over medium heat, or use a microwave in short bursts. If you froze the chicken, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and flavorful on the grill, making them a fabulous alternative to breasts in Honey Chipotle Chicken Skewers—choose whichever you prefer.

How spicy are Honey Chipotle Chicken Skewers?

The chipotle peppers add a gentle, smoky warmth with a touch of heat that most people find pleasant. You can always adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.

Can I bake these instead of grilling?

Definitely! Place the skewers on a rack over a baking sheet and roast at 425°F for about 15–18 minutes, turning halfway through. You’ll still get lovely caramelization and lots of flavor.

Do I need to marinate the chicken for a full 4 hours?

While even 30 minutes delivers great flavor, letting the chicken sit in the marinade longer makes it more tender and infuses deeper taste. Try to go for at least an hour if you have the time.

What other vegetables can I add to the skewers?

Bell peppers, red onions, and zucchini are delicious threaded between the chicken pieces—their sweetness and slight char from the grill complement the Honey Chipotle marinade perfectly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to add some excitement to your grilling game, you have to try these Honey Chipotle Chicken Skewers! They’re that rare recipe that’s simple enough for a weeknight and special enough for guests. I can’t wait for you to fall in love with their smoky-sweet flavor—don’t be surprised if they become a new favorite at your table, too!

Honey Chipotle Chicken Skewers Recipe

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4.5 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 27 minutes (plus marinating time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Honey Chipotle Chicken Skewers are a perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors. Juicy chicken pieces are marinated in a mixture of honey, chipotle peppers, and lime juice, then grilled to perfection. Easy to make and bursting with Tex-Mex flair, these skewers are an ideal dish for summer grilling.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade:

1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into 1½-inch pieces)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (minced)
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Additional:

Wooden or metal skewers

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Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, chipotle peppers, lime juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat well.
Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours).
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning.
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers.
Grill for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
Serve hot with lime wedges and your favorite sides.