Honey Chipotle Chicken Skewers are a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors, making them a crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion. These skewers are easy to prepare, marinated in a delicious honey chipotle sauce, and grilled to juicy perfection. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, planning a family dinner, or looking for a flavorful appetizer, these chicken skewers will impress your guests with their bold and tangy taste. Here’s how to make Honey Chipotle Chicken Skewers right at home.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes (to prevent burning)
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (from a can), finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped cilantro or parsley, for garnish (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- Mix Marinade Ingredients: In a bowl, combine honey, finely chopped chipotle peppers, minced garlic, lime juice, olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- Marinate Chicken: Place the cubed chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the honey chipotle marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
- Marinate Time: Refrigerate the marinated chicken for at least 1 hour, or ideally up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to meld together. You can also marinate overnight for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F or 190-200°C).
- Skewer Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving a small space between each piece to ensure even cooking. Discard any leftover marinade.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken Skewers
- Grill Skewers: Place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Baste with Marinade: Occasionally baste the chicken skewers with any remaining marinade while grilling to enhance flavor and keep them moist.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the grilled Honey Chipotle Chicken Skewers from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley, if desired. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the skewers.
Tips for Perfect Honey Chipotle Chicken Skewers
- Adjust Spice Level: Increase or decrease the amount of chipotle peppers according to your spice preference. For a milder flavor, use only one chipotle pepper.
- Soaking Skewers: Soaking wooden skewers in water before threading the chicken prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Grilling Time: Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken cubes and the heat of your grill. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature.
- Serve with Sides: These skewers pair well with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them as an appetizer with a dipping sauce like ranch or sour cream mixed with lime juice.
Conclusion
These Honey Chipotle Chicken Skewers are a delicious and flavorful dish that brings together the sweetness of honey with the smoky heat of chipotle peppers. Easy to prepare and perfect for grilling, they are a great addition to any meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a backyard barbecue, these skewers will surely be a hit. Enjoy the bold and tangy flavors of these Honey Chipotle Chicken Skewers at your next gathering!