These Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers are a perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors. Marinated in a tangy honey chipotle sauce and grilled to perfection, they make a fantastic appetizer, summer cookout dish, or even a simple weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe hits all the right notes—sweet from the honey, spicy and smoky from the chipotle peppers, and a touch of citrus to brighten it all up. The chicken comes out juicy and tender thanks to the marinade, and grilling adds that irresistible char. These skewers are easy to make, great for meal prepping, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
Olive oil
Honey
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
Garlic cloves, minced
Lime juice
Cumin
Smoked paprika
Salt
Wooden or metal skewers

directions

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes if using.
In a blender or food processor, combine olive oil, honey, chipotle peppers, garlic, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt. Blend until smooth.
Pour the marinade over the chicken chunks in a bowl or zip-top bag. Toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.
Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or an extra squeeze of lime.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 1 hour to overnight
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour and 30 minutes (with marinating)

Variations

Use chicken thighs for a juicier result.
Add chunks of bell pepper, onion, or pineapple to the skewers for extra flavor.
Swap out chicken for shrimp—just reduce grilling time accordingly.
For a smoky flavor without heat, use smoked paprika only and skip the chipotle.
Serve over rice, in tacos, or with a side salad for a full meal.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but be careful not to overcook the chicken.

FAQs

What can I use if I don’t have chipotle peppers in adobo?

You can substitute with chipotle powder or smoked paprika mixed with a bit of hot sauce for a similar smoky-heat flavor.

Can I bake these instead of grilling?

Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 425°F for about 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through.

How spicy are these skewers?

They have a moderate heat level, but you can adjust the number of chipotle peppers to suit your taste.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the marinade up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge.

Should I remove the seeds from the chipotle peppers?

If you prefer a milder flavor, removing the seeds helps tone down the heat.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Yes, freeze the chicken in the marinade for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before grilling.

What sides go well with these skewers?

They pair well with rice, grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, or a light salad.

Are these skewers gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all the ingredients (especially chipotle peppers in adobo) are certified gluten-free.

Can I make these in the air fryer?

Yes, cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked.

Do I need to oil the grill before cooking?

Yes, oiling the grill helps prevent the chicken from sticking and promotes even browning.

Conclusion

Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers are a delicious, versatile recipe that brings together the bold flavors of sweet honey and smoky chipotle. Whether you’re entertaining guests or spicing up a weeknight dinner, these skewers are quick to prep, easy to grill, and bursting with flavor.

Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers