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Easy Sweet & Spicy Grilled Honey Chipotle Chicken Skewers

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These Sweet & Spicy Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers are quick, easy, and perfect for grilling season. The balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy is just perfect, and that sticky glaze is absolutely addictive.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced, plus 2 tablespoons adobo sauce
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
  • 8–10 wooden or metal skewers
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, and ground cumin. Season with a pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Set aside about 1/4 cup of this marinade in a small saucepan for the glaze.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the cubed chicken thighs in a large bowl or a zip-top bag. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
  3. Make the Glaze: While the chicken marinates, place the small saucepan with the reserved 1/4 cup of marinade on the stove over medium heat. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and becomes syrupy. Set it aside to cool.
  4. Prep the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F). Clean the grates thoroughly and oil them lightly with a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil.
  5. Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
  6. Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
  7. Glaze the Skewers: During the last 2 minutes of grilling, use a basting brush to generously coat the chicken with the reduced glaze. Flip and brush the other side. Let it cook for another minute on each side to let the glaze caramelize and set.
  8. Rest and Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

Don’t over-marinate the chicken; 30 minutes to 4 hours max. Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes before grilling. Watch for flare-ups from the honey. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. Double the glaze if making a big batch.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey chipotle chicken skewers, grilled chicken skewers, sweet and spicy chicken, easy grilling recipe, summer grilling, chicken thighs, chipotle marinade

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