I love firing up the grill on warm evenings and serving up honey chipotle grilled chicken skewers—they’re smoky, sweet, spicy, and just the right balance of backyard comfort and flavor-packed flair. When I thread juicy chicken into skewers and grill them glazed with a bold honey-chipotle marinade, the aroma alone makes me—and everyone around—mouth-water. If you’re craving easy grilled chicken skewers with a bold kick, these are your go-to.
What sets these honey chipotle chicken skewers apart is that sticky, spicy-sweet glaze made from real chipotle in adobo and honey—perfect for your summer grilling recipes. Pair them with rice, salad, or tacos, and you’ve got complete, casual dinners or meal-prep lunches ready to go.
Cooking these chicken skewers with honey chipotle glaze feels effortless—just prep, thread, marinate, and grill. In about 30 minutes, you’ve got tender, flavor-packed chicken on a stick. Want healthy grilled chicken skewers? Swap skewers for gas grill or oven broiler—still incredible results. These skewers are perfect for everything from backyard barbecue recipes to everyday weeknight feasts.
Whether you’re feeding family, serving up a Weeknight Meal Prep, or hosting a cookout, honey chipotle grilled chicken skewers deliver that perfect combination of spicy, sweet, and succulent. Ready to learn my chef secrets and take your grilled chicken skewers game to the next level? Let’s fire up the grill!
Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers | Spicy-Sweet Summer BBQ Favorite
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1″ cubes
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo minced
- 2 tbsp adobo sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- 8 –10 wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- Prep & Marinate In a bowl, whisk honey, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, olive oil, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Add chicken cubes, toss to coat, and marinate 15 minutes at room temperature.
- Skewer the Chicken Thread chicken onto skewers, about 4–5 pieces each.
- Preheat Grill Heat grill to medium-high (~400°F). Brush grates with oil.
- Grill & Glaze Grill skewers 3–4 minutes per side. Brush with remaining marinade mid-cook. Grill another 1–2 minutes per side until cooked (165°F). Turn and glaze again.
- Rest & ServeLet rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with lime wedges and cilantro. Serve with rice, grilled veggies, or slaw.
Notes
Secret Tips for the Best Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers
- Use fresh chicken breast or thighs — For the juiciest, most tender skewers, I recommend starting with high-quality chicken breast or boneless skinless thighs. Thighs will give you an even richer flavor and stay juicy on the grill.
- Marinate just long enough — Don’t over-marinate your honey chipotle grilled chicken skewers. About 15 to 30 minutes is ideal—this allows the bold flavors to penetrate without making the chicken mushy.
- Reserve some glaze — Set aside a portion of your honey chipotle marinade for chicken before adding it to the raw meat. Brush this reserved glaze over the skewers during the last minute of grilling for an irresistible sticky finish.
- Thread chicken loosely — When assembling your easy grilled chicken skewers, leave a little space between the chicken pieces so the heat circulates evenly and the edges caramelize perfectly.
- Adjust the heat level — Want a spicier kick? Add extra minced chipotle peppers or a dash of cayenne. Prefer it milder? Use a bit less adobo sauce and balance with extra honey for sweet and smoky chicken skewers that everyone can enjoy.
- Two-zone grilling — If you’re using a gas or charcoal grill, use a two-zone setup. Sear the honey chipotle chicken skewers over direct heat first to caramelize, then move to indirect heat to finish cooking without burning the glaze.
- Rest before serving — Let your grilled honey chipotle chicken rest for 3–5 minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the skewers tender and flavorful.
- Serve with bright sides — These skewers pair beautifully with fresh sides that balance the smoky sweetness—think cilantro-lime rice, grilled veggies, or even grilled honey chipotle chicken tacos with slaw.
- Make extra for meal prep — These meal prep grilled chicken skewers store well and stay flavorful for 3–4 days in the fridge. Add them to salads, wraps, or grain bowls for quick high-protein meals throughout the week.
- Experiment with proteins — The honey chipotle marinade works great on shrimp, salmon, or even tofu for tasty variations beyond chicken. Try honey chipotle grilled shrimp skewers for a quick appetizer or light summer dish.
Recipe Overview
Difficulty Level: Easy
Course: Dinner / Main
Cuisine: Mexican‑American Fusion
Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: ~30 minutes
Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~280
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
These grilled chicken skewers are high in lean protein and balanced with healthy carbs. Pair with veggies to round out a nutritious plate—perfect for summer dinners. Incorporating lean protein supports satiety and muscle maintenance (source: Cleveland Clinic).
Budget Breakdown
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lb): $5.00
- Honey (¼ cup): $1.00
- Chipotle peppers in adobo (2 peppers): $1.00
- Olive oil and spices: $1.00
- Wooden or metal skewers: $3.00
Total Cost: ~$11.00
Cost Per Serving (6 skewers): ~$1.85
Affordable, flavorful, and perfect for gatherings—check out more budget-friendly grilling tips at EatRight.org.
Behind the Recipe
The first time I made honey chipotle grilled chicken skewers was for a last-minute cookout with friends. I had a jar of chipotle peppers in adobo and a bottle of local honey sitting in the pantry—two powerhouse ingredients begging to be paired. The result was a marinade that delivered exactly what I wanted: deep, smoky heat balanced with just enough sticky sweetness.
I’ve refined this recipe through dozens of grilling sessions. I discovered that honey chipotle marinade for chicken works best with a short marination—just 15 to 30 minutes is enough to infuse flavor without compromising the juicy texture of the chicken. Skewering the chicken ensures quick, even cooking and maximum glaze coverage.
I also experimented with heat levels. Some folks love their spicy sweet chicken skewers with a bold kick, while others prefer a milder glaze. By adjusting the amount of minced chipotle and adobo sauce, you can easily customize this recipe to suit your heat tolerance.
Today, this is my go-to recipe for easy grilled chicken skewers. They work for everything from casual weeknight dinners to festive summer cookouts. I often serve them with cilantro-lime rice or grilled veggies, and they disappear fast. Once you master this flavor-packed marinade, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy grilled honey chipotle chicken all season long.
What Makes it Irresistible
Bold Sweet & Spicy Flavor
What sets honey chipotle grilled chicken skewers apart is their irresistible balance of sweet and smoky heat. The honey caramelizes beautifully on the grill, while smoky chipotle peppers in adobo bring bold depth. Every bite is sticky, juicy, and full of vibrant flavor—BBQ perfection!
Tender, Juicy Chicken
Using lean chicken breast means these healthy grilled chicken skewers stay light and protein-packed. The quick marinade locks in moisture, while grilling over medium-high heat develops the perfect char. The result? Chicken that’s both juicy and bursting with flavor.
Quick & Easy Grilling
This is one of my go-to easy grilled chicken skewers recipes because it’s simple to prep and fast to cook. Whether you’re hosting a cookout or whipping up dinner on a busy weeknight, these skewers hit the table in about 30 minutes.
Family-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing
The sticky-sweet glaze makes these spicy sweet chicken skewers a hit with both kids and adults. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit any audience—mild for little ones, fiery for spice lovers.
Great for Meal Prep
One of the best parts of this recipe is its versatility. These skewers reheat beautifully and hold their flavor all week. They’re a staple in my meal prep grilled chicken skewers rotation—perfect for salads, wraps, or bowls.
Best Served When
Backyard BBQs & Cookouts
These honey chipotle grilled chicken skewers shine on the grill at summer cookouts. Serve with sides like grilled corn, slaw, or Mexican street corn, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing BBQ spread.
Easy Weeknight Dinners
Thanks to their fast cook time, these skewers are perfect for easy grilled chicken skewers dinners during the week. Pair them with rice and veggies for a wholesome meal.
Game Day or Party Appetizers
Serve smaller portions of these spicy sweet chicken skewers as finger-friendly appetizers. They’re a hit for game days, potlucks, or party spreads.
Healthy Meal Prep
Want lean, flavorful protein ready for the week? These healthy grilled chicken skewers are ideal. Slice them for salads, wraps, or bowls—perfect for fast lunches or dinners.
Tacos & Wraps
These skewers are amazing tucked into tortillas or flatbreads. Add fresh toppings and you’ve got grilled honey chipotle chicken tacos in minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1″ cubes
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced
- 2 tbsp adobo sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- 8–10 wooden or metal skewers
How to Make It
- Prep & Marinate
In a bowl, whisk honey, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, olive oil, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Add chicken cubes, toss to coat, and marinate 15 minutes at room temperature. - Skewer the Chicken
Thread chicken onto skewers, about 4–5 pieces each. - Preheat Grill
Heat grill to medium-high (~400°F). Brush grates with oil. - Grill & Glaze
Grill skewers 3–4 minutes per side. Brush with remaining marinade mid-cook. Grill another 1–2 minutes per side until cooked (165°F). Turn and glaze again. - Rest & Serve
Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with lime wedges and cilantro. Serve with rice, grilled veggies, or slaw.
Derek’s Pro Tips
- Soak wooden skewers 30 min to prevent burning.
- Cut chicken evenly so all pieces cook uniformly.
- Grill over two zones—sear hot, finish warm for caramelized flavor.
- Reserve extra marinade before grilling for brushing; don’t reapply raw marinade.
- Double skewer meat for stability and easier flipping.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure juicy, not dry, chicken.
Make it Yours
Adjust the Heat
For a bold kick, add extra chipotle or a pinch of cayenne. For milder honey chipotle chicken skewers, reduce the amount of adobo sauce in your marinade.
Use Chicken Thighs
Prefer juicier chicken? Swap in boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a more tender bite. This version is fantastic for spicy sweet chicken skewers.
Add Veggie Skewers
Thread bell peppers, red onions, or zucchini alongside your chicken for a colorful, veggie-packed option. The glaze works wonderfully on vegetables too.
Try It With Shrimp
For a twist on this recipe, swap chicken for shrimp and reduce cook time. Honey chipotle grilled shrimp skewers are an amazing appetizer or light main dish.
Make It Gluten-Free
Use tamari instead of soy sauce and double-check your adobo sauce for gluten-free status. You’ll have gluten-free honey chipotle grilled chicken skewers everyone can enjoy.
Keep it Cozy
- Store: Airtight container, refrigerator, up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Skillet over medium heat with a splash of water.
- Freeze: Cooked skewers freeze well—thaw overnight and reheat gently.
Best Served With
- Sticky Ginger Rice Bowls
- Grilled Peach and Burrata Aragula Salad
- Grilled Zucchini with Ricotta & Walnuts
- Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken
- Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
Comfort Food Questions Answered
Whisk together honey, minced chipotle in adobo, adobo sauce, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, and smoked paprika. Marinate chicken cubes for 15–30 minutes, skewer them, then grill over medium-high heat for 8–10 minutes, turning once for perfect caramelization.
The ideal marinade balances sweet honey, smoky chipotle peppers, tangy lime, and savory spices like cumin and smoked paprika. It’s sticky, bold, and clings beautifully to the chicken.
Preheat to medium-high (about 400°F). Grill skewers 3–4 minutes per side (a total of 8–10 minutes) until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring juicy, fully cooked meat.
Avoid overcooking and rest skewers for 5 minutes after grilling. The “two-zone grill” method—searing on high heat then finishing on medium-low—helps lock in moisture, making these healthy grilled chicken skewers extra tender.
Classic sides include cilantro-lime rice, grilled vegetables, corn slaw, or Mexican street corn. For a low-carb option, serve over a green salad or cauliflower rice for a healthy twist.
Yes! Use a perforated grill tray or grill basket. Toss marinated chicken cubes directly in the tray and grill—perfect for a skewer-free approach.
Add extra minced chipotle or a pinch of cayenne to the marinade. Optionally, brush with a spicy chili-honey glaze during grilling for intense flavors.
Yes—as long as you use gluten-free chipotle in adobo or substitute with tamari sauce. No breading or wheat-based soy sauce is needed, making this a gluten-free grilled chicken option.
Absolutely. These skewers keep in the fridge up to 4 days. Store chicken and marinade separately for best texture, then reheat in a skillet or grill for a quick, flavorful lunch or weeknight dinner.
They’re high in lean protein and moderate in calories. Honey offers antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties—great for a balanced approach to BBQ favorites (Healthline).
Chipotle peppers impart smoky heat and depth of flavor. Rich in vitamins A and C, they also add antioxidants—elevating both taste and nutrition.
Yes—swap in chicken thighs for extra juiciness. Just monitor cook time, as thighs may take a bit longer to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Clean and oil the grates, preheat to medium-high, and grill skewers 3–4 minutes per side. To boost flavor and caramelization, reduce heat to medium after searing and brush with extra glaze.
Try grilled vegetable kabobs, lime-garlic shrimp skewers, or sheet-pan BBQ salmon. Lean grilling keeps things nutritious and full of flavor, whether you’re cooking meals or entertaining.
Final Stir
Honey chipotle grilled chicken skewers embody everything I love about summer grilling: bold flavors, easy preparation, and a meal that brings people together. Whether you’re hosting a weekend barbecue or throwing dinner on the grill after a busy day, this recipe delivers big-time flavor with minimal effort.
The combination of honey chipotle marinade and smoky grilled chicken is hard to resist. The glaze caramelizes beautifully over the grill, creating an irresistible sticky-sweet coating that pairs perfectly with juicy chicken breast. And thanks to the lean protein profile of chicken and the antioxidant benefits of honey, these skewers can easily fit into a balanced, healthy eating plan.
Beyond their flavor, these healthy grilled chicken skewers are endlessly versatile. Enjoy them straight off the grill, tuck them into tacos or wraps, or slice them over a fresh salad for an easy lunch. They’re also fantastic for meal prep—just store in an airtight container and enjoy throughout the week.
So next time you’re looking to elevate your backyard barbecue recipes or create an unforgettable grilled chicken dinner, reach for this recipe. With its balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors, honey chipotle grilled chicken skewers will earn a permanent place in your grilling rotation. Trust me—once you taste that first bite, you’ll be hooked
“I love how smoky chipotle peppers and sweet honey combine on the grill. These skewers are dinner party worthy but easy enough for weeknights—one taste and you’ll be back for more.” — Chef Derek
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Smoky, sweet, and spicy skewers perfect for summer—easy, flavorful, and fun to make!
