Chipotle Honey Chicken Skewers

Chipotle honey chicken skewers balance sweet earthy heat with a sticky glaze that clings to juicy grilled chicken. I reach for this recipe every time I need a quick but crowd-pleasing meal that switches up weeknight chicken and always disappears from the grilling platter.

The first time I made this we were rushing to prep for a last-minute picnic and I could not believe how fast we pulled together something that felt so festive and flavorful.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: choose firm fresh pieces for tender skewers
• Raw honey: brings real floral sweetness and helps with caramelization
• Tomato paste: gives deep umami notes and helps the sauce thicken
• Apple cider vinegar: delivers an essential tangy kick and brightens flavor
• Chipotle chili powder: offers smoky heat and earthy depth try a fresh tin for boldest flavor
• Garlic clove: finely chopped for sharpness and aromatic lift
• Salt: optional but it wakes everything up balance to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Use a very sharp knife to slice chicken breasts into very thin strips The thinner you can cut them the more quickly and evenly they will cook when threaded onto the skewers

Make the Sauce:

Whisk the honey tomato paste apple cider vinegar chipotle chili powder finely chopped garlic and salt if using in a bowl until smooth and glossy Set aside a small portion if you want extra for dipping later

Thread the Skewers:

Carefully accordion fold each slice of chicken onto wooden skewers This creates ripples that help glaze cling to every curve Lightly coat each skewer with the sauce making sure every piece is covered

Grill the Skewers:

Preheat your grill or grill pan until very hot Place the skewers on and let them cook for two to three minutes then turn and baste with more sauce Continue turning and basting every couple of minutes for ten to twelve minutes until the chicken is cooked through and nicely charred in spots

Bake Instead If Needed:

If you are not grilling heat your oven to 400 degrees and place skewers on a lined baking sheet Bake for sixteen to eighteen minutes turning and basting halfway through They are done when the chicken is fully cooked and juicy

Save

I never get tired of the sticky glaze caramelizing on the edges of the chicken and the surprise burst of heat from chipotle chili powder My little one always insists on extra dipping sauce at the table during summer barbecues as a happy mess spreads everywhere

Storage Tips

Once cooled any extra skewers can be wrapped tightly and kept in the refrigerator for up to three days They taste fantastic cold tossed onto salad greens for lunch If you want to store for longer place in a freezer safe container and keep for up to two months Just let them thaw in the fridge and then gently reheat on a grill or in a skillet to restore the best texture

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have chipotle chili powder try smoked paprika for smoky notes with less heat or a blend of regular chili and a touch of ground cumin Maple syrup will stand in for honey in a pinch and boneless chicken thighs are a tasty alternative to breast for extra juiciness Adjust the amount of vinegar or honey to balance sweet and tangy as you prefer

Serving Suggestions

Pile the skewers over a platter of grilled vegetables or alongside crunchy slaw for a full meal They also work as a fun hand held appetizer at parties and you can slice leftovers and tuck them into wraps with avocado and lettuce Drizzle with extra reserved sauce or give them a squeeze of fresh lime at the table

Cultural Context for Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken

Marinating chicken in sweet and spicy sauces before grilling is something you find in food traditions across the Americas The chipotle and honey pairing harks to Southwestern US barbecue with big smoky and sweet flavors These skewers are a simple meeting of classic American grilling cues and fiesta inspired ingredients that never go out of style

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ How do you achieve tender chicken on the skewers?

Slicing chicken into thin strips and basting with honey glaze while grilling locks in moisture and flavor, resulting in tender, juicy meat.

→ What type of honey works best?

Raw honey is preferred for a more robust flavor and natural sweetness, but any available honey gives a delicious result.

→ Can the skewers be baked instead of grilled?

Yes, they can be oven-baked at 400°F for 16-18 minutes until fully cooked and lightly caramelized.

→ Is there a substitute for chipotle chili powder?

Smoked paprika or mild chili powder can be used for a less spicy option with smoky depth.

→ How do you prevent wooden skewers from burning?

Soak wooden skewers in water for 20-30 minutes before assembling to keep them from charring on the grill.

→ Can this be prepared ahead for meal prep?

Yes, the chicken can be marinated and kept in the fridge for a few hours before cooking, making it great for advance prep.