Sweet Smoky Chicken Skewers

This clean-eating recipe offers sweet, tangy, and deliciously smoky flavors in a low-calorie, high-protein skewer perfect for summer grilling or year-round enjoyment. The combination of honey and chipotle creates an irresistible caramelized glaze that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

When I first made these skewers for a backyard gathering, they disappeared faster than anything else on the table. My brother-in-law who typically avoids chicken dishes asked for the recipe before leaving that night.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: the lean protein base that absorbs all the delicious flavors while staying tender and juicy
• Honey: raw preferred for its complex flavor profile and natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the grill
• Tomato paste: adds richness and umami depth to balance the sweetness of honey
• Apple cider vinegar: provides tanginess and helps tenderize the chicken
• Chipotle chili powder: the star ingredient giving smoky heat that elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary
• Fresh garlic clove: use fresh instead of powder for the best aromatic quality
• Salt: optional but helps enhance all other flavors in the marinade

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the chicken:

Slice chicken breasts into very thin strips using your sharpest knife. This is crucial for quick cooking and maximum flavor absorption. Thread the chicken strips onto wooden skewers in an accordion style, folding each strip back and forth. This technique increases surface area for more caramelization.

Make the glaze:

In a small bowl, thoroughly whisk together honey, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, chipotle chili powder, finely chopped garlic, and salt if using. Whisk until completely smooth with no tomato paste lumps remaining. The sauce should have a glossy appearance and coat the back of a spoon.

Coat and grill:

Generously spoon the prepared sauce over each skewer, ensuring every piece of chicken gets coated. Preheat your grill to medium high heat. Place skewers on the hot grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes total. Turn the skewers every 2 to 3 minutes and baste with additional sauce during cooking. This creates multiple layers of flavor and beautiful caramelization.

Oven alternative:

If you prefer using the oven, preheat to 400°F. Place the skewers on a lined baking sheet and bake for 16 to 18 minutes, turning halfway through cooking time. Baste with additional sauce at the halfway point for best results.

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The key to these skewers is the chipotle chili powder. I discovered this magical ingredient during a cooking class years ago and it completely transformed my grilling game. What makes it special is the smoky depth it adds even when you're cooking indoors in the oven instead of over an open flame.

Make-Ahead Options

These skewers are perfect for meal prep. You can prepare them completely up to two days ahead and store them covered in the refrigerator. The flavors actually intensify as they marinate longer. For a quick dinner solution, prepare a double batch and freeze half before cooking. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and cook as directed.

Serving Suggestions

These versatile skewers pair beautifully with so many sides. For a complete meal, serve alongside cilantro lime rice and grilled vegetables. They're also perfect atop a fresh salad with avocado for a protein-packed lunch. For entertaining, set them out on a platter with a small bowl of extra sauce for dipping and watch them disappear.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to make adjustments based on what you have available, here are some tested options that work well:

• For a paleo version, substitute maple syrup for the honey
• Boneless chicken thighs can replace breasts for juicier results but slightly higher calories
• Regular chili powder can work if chipotle isn't available, but add 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika to mimic the smokiness
• Rice vinegar makes a good substitute for apple cider vinegar

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these chicken skewers ahead of time?

Yes! You can thread the chicken onto skewers and prepare the sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Store separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Combine and cook when ready to serve for the freshest result.

→ How spicy are these chipotle honey chicken skewers?

These skewers have a moderate heat level from the chipotle chili powder. For a milder version, reduce the chipotle powder to 1 teaspoon. For extra heat, add an additional ½ teaspoon or include a pinch of cayenne pepper.

→ What sides pair well with these chicken skewers?

These skewers pair beautifully with cilantro-lime rice, roasted vegetables, grilled corn on the cob, or a fresh green salad. The sweet-smoky flavor also complements cooling sides like cucumber salad or avocado slices.

→ Do I need to soak wooden skewers before using them?

Yes, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This prevents them from burning during grilling. Metal skewers can be used as an alternative with no soaking required.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often result in juicier skewers. Cut them into similar-sized strips as you would the breast meat, and cooking time will be approximately the same.

→ How do I know when the chicken skewers are fully cooked?

The chicken skewers are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the meat is opaque all the way through. If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the thickest piece to ensure there's no pink remaining.