Description
These Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers combine smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors for a delicious and easy-to-make meal perfect for summer grilling or any casual gathering. Tender chicken breast pieces are marinated in a flavorful mixture of honey, chipotle peppers, lime, and spices, then grilled until perfectly charred and juicy.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Marinade
- 5 pounds chicken breast, cut into 1 to 1.5-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking the chicken skewers evenly.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into evenly sized cubes about 1 to 1.5 inches each to ensure uniform cooking.
- Make Marinade: In a medium bowl, mix olive oil, honey, chopped chipotle peppers in adobo, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until the honey fully dissolves and the mixture is well combined.
- Marinate Chicken: Place chicken cubes into a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over. Coat all the chicken pieces thoroughly with the marinade.
- Refrigerate: Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully.
- Soak Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for about 20 minutes to prevent burning while grilling.
- Thread Chicken: After marinating, thread the chicken cubes onto the soaked skewers, keeping a small gap between pieces to promote even cooking.
- Oil Grill Grates: Lightly oil grill grates by dipping a paper towel in oil and using tongs to rub the grates, preventing sticking.
- Grill Chicken: Place chicken skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 4 to 6 minutes per side, turning every few minutes to achieve an even char and cook through.
- Check Doneness: Confirm the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F using a meat thermometer to ensure safety.
- Remove & Garnish: Take the skewers off the grill, sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a fresh, vibrant finish.
- Serve: Serve the honey chipotle grilled chicken skewers hot alongside your favorite side dishes for a flavorful meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer than 30 minutes, up to 4 hours, can enhance flavor even more.
- If using metal skewers, soaking is not necessary.
- For a spicier kick, add extra chipotle peppers or a dash of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
- Serve with rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Make sure to turn the skewers frequently while grilling to avoid burning and to cook evenly.
