Description
Sweet and smoky Honey Chipotle Chicken Skewers: tender chicken with a flavorful honey-chipotle glaze. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb chicken breasts: Chicken is the star of this dish. Cut into bite-sized pieces, it absorbs the flavors of the honey chipotle mix beautifully, providing a juicy and satisfying bite.
- Wood skewers: These are optional but recommended for ease of grilling and serving. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15-30 minutes to prevent burning.
- 1.5 tbsp honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness to balance the heat from the chipotle, contributing to that signature sweet and smoky flavor.
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo, minced: This smoky pepper introduces a distinct spice to the dish, lending its robust flavor that takes your skewers to the next level.
- 1 clove garlic, grated: Garlic brings depth and aromatic qualities, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning: Seasoning not only prevents the skewers from tasting flat but adds layers of flavor. I recommend using high-quality blends like the Siete brand for a gluten-free option.
- Zest and juice of 1 orange: Fresh citrus helps brighten the dish and complements the sweetness of the honey beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt: Salt enhances overall taste and helps balance the dish, ensuring that each bite is full of flavor.
- 1 tbsp avocado oil: This oil is great for cooking due to its high smoke point and adds a subtle flavor without overpowering the dish.
Instructions
- Soak the skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, start by soaking them in water for 15-30 minutes. This prevents them from catching fire during cooking.
- Prepare the chicken: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb of bite-sized chicken pieces with the honey chipotle mix. For the mix, add 1.5 tbsp honey, 1 minced chipotle pepper in adobo, 1 grated clove of garlic, 2 tbsp taco seasoning, the zest and juice of 1 orange, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1 tbsp avocado oil.
- Mix and coat: Use your hands or tongs to mix the chicken until every piece is well coated in the marinade. This ensures that all flavors are adequately absorbed.
- Skewer the chicken: Thread the coated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers. Aim for about 4 skewers for 1 lb of chicken, spacing them evenly for proper cooking.
- Cooking options: Choose your cooking method! If using an air fryer, preheat it to 400°F (200°C) and cook the skewers for 10 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. If grilling, preheat the grill and cook them for a similar time, checking periodically to prevent burning.
- Finishing touches: For an extra touch, drizzle the cooked skewers with honey or a mix of melted butter and honey before serving. This adds a layer of glossy sweetness that makes them irresistible!