Maple Glazed Chipotle Chicken Skewers are a flavor-packed, easy-to-make recipe that will transport your taste buds to a whole new world of deliciousness. This dish combines the sweet, rich notes of maple with the smoky, spicy essence of chipotle, creating a truly craveable and comforting meal. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a weeknight dinner that’s sure to impress, these skewers are a surefire hit.
Why You’ll Love This Maple Glazed Chipotle Chicken Skewers
These Maple Glazed Chipotle Chicken Skewers are a must-try for any adventurous eater looking to elevate their chicken game. The combination of sweet maple and smoky chipotle creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting, with just the right amount of heat to keep you coming back for more. The juicy, tender chicken paired with the caramelized glaze makes for a truly indulgent and satisfying experience. Plus, the skewer format makes this dish perfect for easy serving and sharing, whether you’re entertaining a crowd or enjoying a cozy meal at home.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for Maple Glazed Chipotle Chicken Skewers are boneless, skinless chicken thighs, maple syrup, chipotle chili powder, garlic, and a few pantry staples. The rich, dark maple syrup perfectly balances the smoky, spicy kick of the chipotle, while the garlic adds a savory depth of flavor. Together, these ingredients come together to create a truly craveable and memorable dish.
- 1 lb – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup – Maple syrup
- 2 tsp – Chipotle chili powder
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup – Plain yogurt, for dipping sauce
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chipotle Chili Powder: Regular chili powder or smoked paprika (for a similar smoky flavor)
- Maple Syrup: Honey (although the flavor profile will be slightly different)
How to Make Maple Glazed Chipotle Chicken Skewers
Follow these easy steps to create a delectable and impressive dish:
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by cutting the chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes. In a large bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, chipotle chili powder, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto metal or wooden skewers, making sure not to overcrowd the skewers. Grill the skewers for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is caramelized.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
While the chicken is grilling, prepare a simple yogurt-based dipping sauce by mixing plain yogurt, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the skewers are cooked, transfer them to a serving platter and serve immediately with the yogurt dipping sauce on the side. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, if desired.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Marinate Overnight: For an extra burst of flavor, try marinating the chicken in the maple-chipotle mixture overnight for even deeper, more complex flavors.
- Try Different Proteins: You can also experiment with different types of meat, such as pork or shrimp, for a twist on the classic chicken skewers.
- Amp Up the Heat: To add more heat, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper or using a hotter variety of chili powder.
- Presentation Options: For a fun presentation, thread the chicken onto colorful wooden skewers or serve the skewers over a bed of rice or quinoa.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: The creamy yogurt dipping sauce, roasted vegetables, grilled corn, or a fresh green salad.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the skewers in a 350°F oven or on the grill for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
Make-Ahead: These skewers can be marinated up to 4 hours in advance, making them a great option for easy weeknight meals or weekend entertaining.
Nutrition Information
These Maple Glazed Chipotle Chicken Skewers are a nutrient-dense and satisfying meal. Each serving provides a good source of lean protein, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. The maple and chipotle flavors add depth and complexity without overwhelming the dish with excessive calories or fat.
- Serving Size: 3-4 skewers
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 25 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to get the chicken cubes evenly coated in the maple-chipotle marinade?
To ensure even coverage, toss the chicken cubes with the marinade in a large, resealable plastic bag or a bowl with a tight-fitting lid. This allows the marinade to fully coat each piece of chicken.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work just as well in this recipe, though the thighs may result in a slightly more tender and juicy final product.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours for maximum flavor. If you have the time, marinating overnight is ideal.
Can I bake these skewers instead of grilling?
Yes, you can bake the Maple Glazed Chipotle Chicken Skewers in a 400°F oven for 18-22 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through.
What should I serve with these skewers?
Maple Glazed Chipotle Chicken Skewers pair beautifully with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, grilled corn, or a fresh green salad. For a heartier meal, serve them over a bed of rice or quinoa.
Try These Next
- maple bbq glazed chicken skewers
- maple glazed herb chicken skewers
- maple glazed bbq chicken skewers with pineapple
Maple Glazed Chipotle Chicken Skewers
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🍗 Chicken & Poultry Creations
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Maple Glazed Chipotle Chicken Skewers are a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors, perfect for grilling on a summer evening or serving at your next barbecue!
Ingredients
– 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 2 tbsp chipotle sauce
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– Skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes)
Instructions
1. 1. In a bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, chipotle sauce, soy sauce, garlic, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. 2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
3. 3. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
4. 4. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers.
5. 5. Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
6. 6. Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
– For extra flavor, you can add veggies like bell peppers or onions to the skewers.
– Adjust the chipotle sauce to your preferred level of spiciness.
– Serve with a side of rice or a fresh salad to complete your meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: chicken skewers, maple glazed, chipotle, grilled chicken