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Chipotle Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers

chipotle lime grilled chicken skewers - featured image

These chipotle lime grilled chicken skewers feature a zesty glaze combining smoky chipotle peppers and fresh lime juice, delivering a quick, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing meal perfect for grilling or stovetop cooking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1.5-inch chunks
  • 810 wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak for 30 minutes to prevent burning)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons adobo sauce
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
  2. Cut the chicken thighs into evenly sized 1.5-inch chunks.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, fresh lime juice, honey, minced garlic, olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Add the chicken chunks to the bowl with the glaze. Toss well to coat every piece. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1-2 hours.
  5. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, leaving space between chunks for even cooking.
  6. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400Β°F). If using a grill pan, heat on stovetop over medium-high until hot.
  7. Place skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning to get char marks and cook through. Total grilling time about 15-20 minutes. Internal temperature should reach 165Β°F.
  8. Brush extra glaze on skewers during the last few minutes of grilling to build flavor and caramelization.
  9. Transfer cooked skewers to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes.
  10. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top before serving.

Notes

Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165Β°F. Avoid over-marinating (max 2 hours) to prevent chicken from becoming mushy. Turn skewers gently to retain juices. Watch for flare-ups and move skewers to cooler grill areas if needed. Rest chicken after grilling to lock in juices.

Nutrition

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