Chipotle Chicken Skewers Recipe

This smoky, charred Chipotle Chicken Skewers Recipe is made with juicy chicken thighs and a spicy adobo marinade, ready in just 30 minutes of active cook time. The hero moment arrives when the adobo sauce hits the hot grill, caramelizing into a crisp, flavorful crust that locks in the moisture. I love making these for summer barbecues because they deliver that authentic restaurant flavor right in my backyard.

Better Than Takeaway

I used to wonder why my homemade grilled chicken never tasted quite like the popular burrito bowl chain, even when I used the right spices. The realization hit me when I swapped lean chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Thighs have enough fat content to withstand the high heat of a grill without drying out, resulting in that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes the restaurant version so addictive.

Another lesson I learned the hard way was about the marinade consistency. Simply chopping the chipotle peppers isn’t enough; blending the peppers with the onion and garlic creates a smooth, emulsified sauce that coats every inch of the meat. This technique ensures that every single bite packs the perfect punch of smoky heat and savory garlic.

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Chipotle Chicken Skewers Recipe Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• For the Marinade:
• 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (from a can)
• 2 tbsp adobo sauce (from the same can)
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/2 small red onion, roughly chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano (Mexican oregano is best)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp water (to help blend)
• For Assembly:
• Wooden or metal skewers
• Vegetable oil, for greasing the grill
• Fresh cilantro and lime wedges, for serving

How To Make Chipotle Chicken Skewers Recipe

1. Make the Marinade: Place the chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, red onion, olive oil, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, and water into a blender or food processor. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and turns a deep, rusty red color.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the cubed chicken thighs in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss until every piece is thoroughly coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
3. Prepare the Skewers: If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a tiny bit of space between pieces to ensure even cooking.
4. Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F) and brush the grates with vegetable oil. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side. The chicken is done when it develops nice char marks and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Recipe Tips

• Blend thoroughly: Don’t skip the blender step. A smooth marinade penetrates the meat fibers better than a chunky one, giving you flavor inside the chicken, not just on the surface.
• Watch the heat: The adobo sauce contains natural sugars and oils that can flare up. Keep an eye on the grill and move the skewers to a cooler spot if the charring happens too fast before the meat is cooked.
• Reserve sauce early: If you want extra sauce for basting or dipping, set aside a small amount of the marinade before it touches the raw chicken. Never use leftover marinade from the raw meat bowl as a sauce.
• Soak your skewers: This is crucial for wooden skewers. Dry wood will catch fire on a hot grill, causing your chicken to fall into the flames.

What To Serve With Chipotle Chicken

These skewers pair perfectly with cilantro lime rice and a scoop of black beans for a complete burrito-bowl-style meal. For a fresher side, try a roasted corn salsa or a crisp cucumber salad to cut through the smoky heat of the peppers.

How To Store

Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through; avoid the microwave as it can make the chicken rubbery.

FAQs

Can I make this in the oven?
Yes. Preheat your oven to 400°F and place the skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, and finish under the broiler for 2 minutes to get a char.

Is this recipe very spicy?
It has a medium kick. The chipotle peppers provide heat, but you can reduce the spice level by using only one pepper and removing the seeds before blending.

Can I use chicken breast?
You can, but be careful not to overcook it. Chicken breast dries out faster than thighs, so reduce the grilling time by a minute or two per side.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Absolutely. Combine the chicken and marinade in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before skewering and cooking.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 145mg
• Sodium: 680mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 4g
• Protein: 35g