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This creamy mix of smoky chipotle spice and sweet honey turns plain chicken into a tasty skewer feast. It’s great for lighting up the grill and hanging out on warm summer nights. These chipotle honey chicken skewers bring together smoky heat with rich sweetness for a bold but welcoming dish.
I added this dish to our grill nights when I wanted something fun yet easy for the whole family. It quickly became a favorite thanks to its playful spice and sticky glaze.
You’ll Need These Ingredients
- Chicken breast: cut into cubes for fast grilling and even cooking Pick fresh, plump pieces for the best bite
- Chipotle pepper in adobo sauce: brings deep smoky flavor Grab a jar with bold peppers
- Honey: adds a natural sweet touch that tames the spice Choose raw or mild honey for a gentle floral hint
- Olive oil: helps the marinade stick and keeps meat juicy Extra virgin offers a fruity flavor
- Mincd garlic: gives a fresh punch Make sure it’s fresh for bright taste
- Ground cumin: adds a warm, earthy note Use fresh cumin for best aroma
- Salt and pepper to taste: brighten up the flavors and season well
- Wooden skewers soaked in water: stop burning on the grill Soak them at least half an hour before you start
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix The Marinade
- Put chipotle, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk it well until the sauce is smooth and tasty. This combo is where spicy meets sweet.
- Coat The Chicken
- Drop the chicken cubes into the marinade and toss so each piece gets covered. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This lets the flavors sink in deep.
- Fire Up The Grill
- Heat your grill to medium-high so it's hot and ready to give those nice grill marks. Clean the grates well so the chicken won’t stick.
- Skewer The Chicken
- Thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked skewers, spacing them out evenly so they cook well. Don’t cram the pieces together; they need room to cook properly.
- Grill Until Done
- Put the skewers on the grill. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, turning often to brown all sides and lock in the juices. Check the chicken hits 165°F inside for safe eating.
- Rest Before Eating
- Take the skewers off and let them rest for 5 minutes. This little break keeps the juices inside, making each bite tender and tasty.
This chicken always gets people talking at cookouts thanks to its mild smoky spice that’s exciting but not overpowering. I usually make double the marinade so there’s extra to dip into.
How To Store Leftovers
Put leftover skewers in an airtight box in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm them gently in a pan or oven to keep the moisture. You can freeze them wrapped up tight for about a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Switching Up Ingredients
If you want juicier meat, swap chicken breast for thighs. You can also add chopped bell peppers or red onions to the skewers for more color and crunch. Try maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper, woodsy sweetness that pairs great with chipotle.
What Goes Well With It
Pair these skewers with fluffy cilantro lime rice or creamy mashed potatoes. A fresh salad with avocado and tomatoes dressed in lime juice cools things down. Chill a white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or grab a cold beer for a perfect match with the sweet smoky flavor.
These chipotle honey chicken skewers are magic because they mix smoky, sweet, and savory in a super easy way. Once you get this balance down, you’ll keep coming back to it for both family meals and fun get-togethers.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → How long should the chicken marinate?
Let the chicken soak in the marinade for at least half an hour to pick up the flavors. You can leave it for up to 4 hours for a stronger taste.
- → What type of skewers works best?
Wooden skewers are great but soak them in water for half an hour before grilling so they don’t catch fire.
- → How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it hits 165°F (74°C) inside or when the juices run clear after poking it.
- → Can I use a different cooking method?
Grilling gives the best smoky flavor, but you can also broil them or use a grill pan indoors.
- → What sides pair well with these skewers?
Try them with quinoa, rice, or fresh salads to balance out the sweet and spicy.