These Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers are a fun treat for any cookout. The chicken is tender and packed with a sweet and spicy flavor that makes every bite pop!
Who doesn’t love food on a stick? It’s like a party on your plate! I love serving them with a fresh salad to cool off that zesty kick. Perfect for summer nights! 🍗🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: This recipe calls for chicken breast for its lean quality. You can substitute it with chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier option. Both work well on the grill!
Honey: Honey adds sweetness to balance the spice. If you’re looking for a vegan option or a lower-glycemic index alternative, you could try agave nectar or maple syrup.
Chipotle in Adobo Sauce: This gives a smoky heat. If you want less spice, use smoked paprika instead of chipotle, or even mild salsa for flavor. Just be mindful of adjusting other seasonings!
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds umami depth. You can use tamari for a gluten-free version, or coconut aminos for a lighter, soy-free substitute.
Spices: Ground cumin and smoked paprika are key for flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works, but you may miss that smoky flavor. Don’t skip the garlic—it adds a yummy aroma!
How Do I Ensure Even Cooking on the Skewers?
To achieve even cooking, it’s essential to thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers properly. Leave a little space between each piece; this helps with heat circulation. It’s important not to overcrowd them.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using. This prevents burning on the grill.
- When threading, rotate the chicken pieces so they thread evenly, which helps them cook uniformly.
- Always use medium-high heat for grilling. Check the chicken and turn it for those perfect grill marks.
Letting the chicken rest after grilling also helps maintain its juiciness. Enjoy grilling!
How to Make Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1 ½ lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons chipotle in adobo sauce, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking and Serving:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and marinate, plus about 15 minutes to grill. You’ll need at least 1 hour for marinating the chicken, but you can let it sit for up to 4 hours for even more flavor. So, set aside about an hour and a half or longer if you plan to marinate it more!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
Start by whisking together the honey, minced chipotle in adobo sauce, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix it well until everything is combined into a nice, smooth marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your cut chicken pieces and place them in a large zip-top bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure all the pieces are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, then pop it in the refrigerator to marinate. Aim for at least 1 hour, but if you have time, letting it sit for up to 4 hours will really enhance the flavors!
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes so they don’t burn on the grill.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Once marinated, take the chicken out of the fridge. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each piece. This will help them cook evenly and get those lovely grill marks!
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the hot grill. Grill them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. If you have any remaining marinade, you can baste the chicken during grilling for extra flavor!
6. Serve:
Once the chicken skewers are cooked, carefully remove them from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped cilantro on top for a burst of color and flavor. Enjoy your delicious skewers with your favorite dipping sauce!
Can I Substitute Chicken Thighs for Chicken Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more flavor and moisture to the skewers. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs might take a minute or two longer to cook through compared to breasts.
How Long Should I Marinate the Chicken?
For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but if you have more time, letting it sit for up to 4 hours will deepen the taste. Just don’t exceed 24 hours, as the chicken can become mushy from the marinade.
What If I Don’t Have Chipotle in Adobo?
No problem! You can substitute it with smoked paprika and a touch of cayenne pepper for heat. Start with 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika and add cayenne to taste, depending on your spice preference.
Can I Make These Skewers Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the chicken and marinate it in advance. Store the marinated chicken in the fridge for up to 24 hours before grilling. You can also cook the skewers and reheat them later; just store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days!
