Description
Sizzling honey chipotle grilled chicken skewers bring smoky-sweet flavors dancing across your grill, promising a culinary adventure that blends Mexican-inspired zest with backyard barbecue charm. Spicy, sweet, and perfectly charred, these skewers will become your summer grilling sensation that everyone craves.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped into 1-inch chunks
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red onion, chopped
Marinade and Seasoning:
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Additional:
- Skewers (soaked if wooden)
Instructions
- Craft a zesty marinade by vigorously whisking honey, olive oil, soy sauce, vinegar, chipotle peppers, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
- Transfer raw chicken pieces into a sealed container or zip-lock bag, then pour half the prepared marinade over the meat, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Prepare wooden or metal skewers by carefully threading marinated chicken chunks, colorful bell peppers, and red onion pieces in an alternating pattern, creating visually appealing and balanced skewers.
- Heat outdoor grill to medium-high temperature, lightly brushing grates with oil to prevent sticking. Carefully place assembled skewers on hot grill, rotating every 3-4 minutes to ensure even charring and consistent cooking.
- Continuously baste skewers with reserved marinade during grilling process, allowing flavors to caramelize and enhance overall taste profile. Monitor internal chicken temperature, cooking until it reaches 165°F and develops a beautiful golden-brown exterior.
- Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Serve immediately alongside fluffy rice, grilled seasonal vegetables, or a crisp garden salad for a complete meal experience.
Notes
- Boost flavor intensity by letting chicken marinate overnight in the fridge, allowing deeper penetration of honey chipotle seasoning.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning during grilling and ensure even cooking.
- Create gluten-free variation by substituting soy sauce with coconut aminos or tamari sauce, maintaining the rich umami profile without wheat-based ingredients.
- Enhance vegetarian option by replacing chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or large mushroom chunks, using identical marinade and grilling technique for similar smoky-sweet experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg