Chipotle Honey Chicken Skewers Recipe
Introduction
These Chipotle Honey Chicken Skewers offer a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors that will delight your taste buds. Quick to prepare and cook, they make a fantastic option for a flavorful weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue with friends.

Ingredients
- 32 ounces boneless and skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup honey (raw preferred)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder
- 1 garlic clove (very finely chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Slice the chicken into very thin strips using a very sharp knife. Thread the strips accordion-style onto wooden skewers.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, chipotle chili powder, chopped garlic, and salt if using. Spoon this sauce generously over the chicken skewers.
- Step 3: Preheat your grill to high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning and basting with the remaining sauce every 2-3 minutes to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- Step 4: Alternatively, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the skewers on a baking sheet and bake for 16-18 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
Tips & Variations
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- If you prefer spicier skewers, use chipotle peppers in adobo sauce blended into the marinade instead of powder.
Storage
Store any leftover cooked skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on a grill to maintain their flavor and texture. Avoid microwaving directly on skewers to prevent uneven heating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless and skinless chicken thighs can be used for juicier and more flavorful skewers. Adjust cooking time as needed, since thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the juice runs clear. The meat should be firm but tender, without any pinkness inside.
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Chipotle Honey Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
These Chipotle Honey Chicken Skewers are a perfect blend of sweet and smoky flavors, featuring tender chicken breast strips marinated in a chipotle chili powder, honey, and tomato paste sauce. Whether grilled to perfection or baked, these skewers make a delightful, crowd-pleasing meal in just 22 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 32 ounces boneless and skinless chicken breasts
Marinade/Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey (raw preferred)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder
- 1 garlic clove (very finely chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
Instructions
- Slice the Chicken: Using a very sharp knife, slice the chicken breasts into very thin strips to ensure quick and even cooking. This will also help the marinade infuse its flavors well.
- Thread onto Skewers: Thread the chicken strips accordion-style onto wooden skewers, making sure the pieces are secure but not crowded to allow even cooking.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, chipotle chili powder, finely chopped garlic, and optional salt. The mixture should be smooth and well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Spoon the prepared sauce generously over the chicken skewers, coating them thoroughly to maximize flavor absorption.
- Grill the Skewers: Preheat a hot grill and place the skewers on it. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes and basting with the sauce to keep the chicken moist and flavorful. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before removing.
- Alternative Baking Method: If grilling is not an option, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers on a baking tray and bake for 16-18 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, basting occasionally with the sauce.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Adjust the amount of chipotle chili powder according to your heat preference.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Can be served with rice, salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
- To make it gluten-free, verify that all ingredients, especially tomato paste and chili powder, contain no gluten additives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes (grilling) or 18 minutes (baking)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chipotle chicken skewers, grilled chicken, honey chipotle chicken, easy chicken skewers, summer grilling recipes

