Ever been excited to host a barbecue, only to feel a bit let down when your chicken turns out dry and flavorless? Been there, done that, and let’s just say it wasn’t pretty. But then, I stumbled upon a combination of flavors that changed my grilling game forever: Sweet and Spicy Chipotle Honey Chicken Skewers. They’re juicy, flavorful, and an absolute crowd-pleaser—perfect for grilling season. Whether you’re hosting a big backyard bash or having an intimate family dinner, these skewers are guaranteed to steal the spotlight.
There’s something magical about the way the smoky heat of chipotle chili powder pairs with the rich sweetness of honey. Add a tangy twist of apple cider vinegar and the depth of tomato paste, and you’ve got a sauce that clings to every piece of chicken, caramelizing beautifully as it grills. These skewers are as simple as they are delicious, and trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a staple in your barbecue repertoire. Ready to dive in? Let’s talk all about what makes this recipe so special.
Why You’ll Love These Chipotle Honey Chicken Skewers
First off, they’re ridiculously easy to make. With minimal prep and just a few ingredients, you can whip these up in under 30 minutes. That’s right—impressive, mouthwatering chicken skewers in less time than it takes to binge an episode of your favorite show.
The flavor profile is out of this world. Imagine smoky chipotle heat balanced with sticky-sweet honey, brightened with a splash of tangy vinegar. Every bite is a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory, with a touch of charred goodness from the grill. It’s the kind of dish that makes people ask for the recipe.
They’re versatile, too. You can serve them over fluffy basmati rice for a hearty meal, alongside a crisp green salad for a lighter option, or with lemon wedges for an extra zesty kick. Plus, these skewers are a crowd-pleaser. Kids love the subtle sweetness, while adults appreciate the smoky heat. Perfect for family dinners, summer cookouts, or meal prep for the week ahead.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced into strips
- 1/2 cup honey, for that sticky, caramelized sweetness
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste, to add depth and richness to the marinade
- 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, for a tangy, vibrant flavor
- 2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder, smoky and spicy (adjust to taste)
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped for a savory kick
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, optional, to enhance all the flavors
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for grilling and preventing the chicken from sticking
For Serving:
- Cooked basmati rice
- A fresh green salad
- Lemon or lime wedges, for squeezing over the skewers
Step-by-Step Instructions to Perfect Skewers
Prepare the Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than beautifully grilled chicken served on charred, splintery sticks.
Slice the Chicken
Take your chicken breasts and slice them into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. Aim for uniform sizes so they cook evenly. This step is crucial—unevenly sliced chicken can lead to overcooked or undercooked pieces.
Thread the Chicken
Thread each strip onto a skewer, folding the chicken in an accordion-like style. This helps it cook evenly and allows the marinade to cling to every surface. Don’t overcrowd the skewers—leave a little space between the folds for even heat distribution.
Make the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, chipotle chili powder, finely chopped garlic, and salt. The mixture should be smooth and thick, perfect for coating the chicken.
Marinate the Chicken
Brush the marinade generously over the chicken skewers, ensuring every nook and cranny is covered. Reserve some marinade for basting during grilling—it’s the secret to those irresistible layers of flavor. Let the chicken sit for at least 10 minutes, or up to 30 minutes if you have time. The longer it marinates, the deeper the flavors will penetrate.
Preheat the Grill
Set your grill to medium-high heat and brush the grates with olive oil to prevent sticking. If you don’t have an outdoor grill, no worries—a grill pan or broiler works just as well.
Grill the Skewers
Place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill. Let them cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes and basting with the reserved marinade. This step ensures a gorgeous caramelized exterior and perfectly juicy interior. Keep an eye on the skewers to prevent burning—grilled to perfection means a slight char, not incineration.
Rest and Serve
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken even more tender. Serve hot with basmati rice, a fresh green salad, and lemon or lime wedges for an extra burst of freshness.
Pro Tips for Skewer Success
- Use Uniform Chicken Slices: Even thickness ensures even cooking. Thin strips also absorb the marinade more effectively.
- Don’t Skip the Soak: If you’re using wooden skewers, soaking them in water is essential. Otherwise, they’ll burn on the grill.
- Layer the Flavor: Marinate the chicken first, then baste with the sauce during grilling. It’s a game-changer.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Not a fan of too much heat? Reduce the chipotle chili powder to 1 teaspoon. Love it hot? Add a pinch of cayenne.
- Resting is Key: Let the skewers rest for a couple of minutes after grilling. This locks in the juices and makes the chicken irresistibly tender.
Recipe Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for firm tofu or even thick-cut zucchini slices. Both absorb the marinade beautifully.
- Gluten-Free Version: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your chipotle chili powder to ensure no hidden additives.
- Extra Smoky: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the marinade for an even deeper smoky flavor.
- Citrusy Twist: Stir in the zest of one lime or lemon for a bright, zesty addition to the marinade.
- Herbaceous Flavor: Add a tablespoon of fresh chopped cilantro to the sauce for a fresh, aromatic twist.
How to Serve
These Sweet and Spicy Chipotle Honey Chicken Skewers are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some ideas:
- Over Rice: Serve with fluffy basmati rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- With a Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- As a Wrap: Slide the chicken off the skewers and wrap it in flatbread with some crunchy veggies and yogurt sauce.
Storage and Freezing Tips
If you have leftovers (unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the skewers in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Want to make these ahead? Freeze the marinated, uncooked chicken skewers on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months and can go straight from freezer to grill—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work wonderfully with this recipe.
What if I don’t have a grill?
A stovetop grill pan or broiler will give you similar results. Just keep an eye on them while cooking.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! You can tone down the spice by reducing the chipotle chili powder to make it more kid-friendly.
Final Thoughts
These Sweet and Spicy Chipotle Honey Chicken Skewers are the ultimate barbecue dish. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and always a hit. Whether you’re a grilling pro or a total beginner, this recipe is foolproof. I’d love to hear how they turn out for you! Snap a photo, share your tips, or tell me how you made them your own. Happy grilling! 🍢🔥
Print
Chipotle Honey Chicken Skewers:Sweet, Spicy, and Perfect for BBQs
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 skewers 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Smoky chipotle spice meets sweet honey glaze in this irresistible chicken skewer recipe! Perfect for BBQs or quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- Chicken Skewers:
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts, sliced thin
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp chipotle chili powder
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- For Serving:
- Cooked basmati rice
- Fresh green salad
- Lemon or lime wedges
Instructions
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes if using.
- Slice chicken breasts into thin strips and thread onto skewers.
- Mix honey, tomato paste, vinegar, chipotle chili powder, garlic, and salt.
- Marinate chicken skewers with the sauce for 10-30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high and oil the grates.
- Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning and basting every 2-3 minutes, until cooked.
- Rest for 3 minutes before serving with rice, salad, and lime wedges.
Instructions
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes if using.
- Slice chicken breasts into thin strips and thread onto skewers.
- Mix honey, tomato paste, vinegar, chipotle chili powder, garlic, and salt.
- Marinate chicken skewers with the sauce for 10-30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high and oil the grates.
- Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning and basting every 2-3 minutes, until cooked.
- Rest for 3 minutes before serving with rice, salad, and lime wedges.
Notes
- Reduce chipotle for milder spice.
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Can be made on a grill pan or in the oven
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American