Description
These foolproof honey chipotle grilled chicken skewers are simple, sticky, and smoky. The sweet and spicy marinade caramelizes on the grill for tender, juicy chicken that is perfect for beginners and experts alike.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8–10 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (plus 2 tablespoons sauce)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 limes, juiced (about 1/4 cup)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)
- Lime wedges (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, whisk together honey, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, cumin, black pepper, and salt.
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.
- If using wooden skewers, ensure they have been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving small spaces between pieces.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (approx. 400°F). Clean grates and oil thoroughly with high-smoke-point oil.
- Place skewers on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, flipping occasionally, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken has char marks.
- Remove from grill and let rest for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately.
Notes
Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. If basting with marinade, boil it first for 2-3 minutes to kill bacteria. Chicken thighs are more forgiving and juicier than breasts. For oven baking, cook at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer per serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 28
Keywords: grilled chicken, chicken skewers, honey chipotle, summer grilling, easy dinner, meal prep, gluten-free option, dairy-free