When the air turns warm and golden and backyard grills begin to sizzle, there’s one dish that always finds its way to the center of my summer gatherings: Chipotle Honey Chicken Skewers. The combination of smoky chipotle and sweet honey on tender chicken pieces evokes the comforting charm of childhood cookouts, family reunions, and those carefree, sun-drenched days of summer.
In my family, skewers weren’t just a dish—they were a ritual. My mother would start prepping early in the morning, marinating the meat with a careful balance of spice and sweetness while my siblings and I took turns skewering the chunks. By evening, the aroma from the grill would draw neighbors to the fence, all lured by the rich, tantalizing scent. These Chipotle Honey Chicken Skewers are my twist on those memories—layered with heat, balanced with honeyed depth, and kissed by the fire for a slightly charred, irresistible bite.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or looking for a new weeknight favorite, these skewers bring flavor, nostalgia, and a touch of culinary adventure right to your plate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Bold flavors with a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and sweet.
- Quick prep and cook time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing, thanks to its balanced heat and sticky glaze.
- Grill, stovetop, or oven adaptable—cook it your way.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp adobo sauce (from canned chipotle peppers)
- 1 chipotle pepper, finely minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak for 30 minutes)
How to Make Chipotle Honey Chicken Skewers
The magic of Chipotle Honey Chicken Skewers begins with the marinade—a bold, zesty blend of sweet honey, fiery chipotle, and citrus that transforms simple chicken into an unforgettable dish.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Make the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together the honey, olive oil, adobo sauce, minced chipotle pepper, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, tossing to coat each piece thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each for even cooking.
Step 4: Grill the Skewers
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning every 3–4 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred on the edges. Baste with any remaining marinade during the last few minutes of cooking for a sticky, caramelized glaze.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the skewers from the grill and let rest for a few minutes. Serve hot with lime wedges, a fresh side salad, or grilled veggies.
HELPFUL TIPS:
- Want more heat? Add an extra chipotle pepper or a dash of cayenne to the marinade.
- No grill? Use a stovetop grill pan or broil in the oven for similar results.
- Serve over rice or in flatbreads with avocado and slaw for a full meal.
DETAILS:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten-Free
NOTES:
Adjust spice level by varying the amount of chipotle pepper. Marinate longer for deeper flavor. For juicy skewers, avoid overcooking.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
(Per serving – approximate)
Calories: 280
Protein: 28g
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Sugar: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 420mg
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Skewer just before grilling.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs add more moisture and flavor—just adjust cooking time slightly.
What can I use instead of chipotle in adobo?
Smoked paprika with a pinch of cayenne works in a pinch, though it won’t have the same depth.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. Avoid overcooking during reheating to maintain juiciness.
Related Recipes:
If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:
- BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad
- Mediterranean Lemon Dill Chicken Bowls
- Grilled Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers
- Korean Chicken Skewers
CONCLUSION:
There’s something truly special about meals that transport you back to sunlit memories and family laughter. These Chipotle Honey Chicken Skewers capture the joy of outdoor cooking, the warmth of shared meals, and the boldness of flavors that wake up the senses. Perfectly charred, sweetly spiced, and endlessly satisfying—this dish deserves a spot in your summer rotation.
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Chipotle Honey Chicken Skewers
Description
When the air turns warm and golden and backyard grills begin to sizzle, there’s one dish that always finds its way to the center of my summer gatherings: Chipotle Honey Chicken Skewers. The combination of smoky chipotle and sweet honey on tender chicken pieces evokes the comforting charm of childhood cookouts, family reunions, and those carefree, sun-drenched days of summer.
In my family, skewers weren’t just a dish—they were a ritual. My mother would start prepping early in the morning, marinating the meat with a careful balance of spice and sweetness while my siblings and I took turns skewering the chunks. By evening, the aroma from the grill would draw neighbors to the fence, all lured by the rich, tantalizing scent. These Chipotle Honey Chicken Skewers are my twist on those memories—layered with heat, balanced with honeyed depth, and kissed by the fire for a slightly charred, irresistible bite.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or looking for a new weeknight favorite, these skewers bring flavor, nostalgia, and a touch of culinary adventure right to your plate.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp adobo sauce (from canned chipotle peppers)
- 1 chipotle pepper, finely minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak for 30 minutes)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together the honey, olive oil, adobo sauce, minced chipotle pepper, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, tossing to coat each piece thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each for even cooking.
Step 4: Grill the Skewers
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning every 3–4 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred on the edges. Baste with any remaining marinade during the last few minutes of cooking for a sticky, caramelized glaze.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the skewers from the grill and let rest for a few minutes. Serve hot with lime wedges, a fresh side salad, or grilled veggies.
Notes
Adjust spice level by varying the amount of chipotle pepper. Marinate longer for deeper flavor. For juicy skewers, avoid overcooking.