Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe

A Perfectly Sweet and Savory Grilled Delight

Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are a crowd-pleasing dish that perfectly balances sweetness, savoriness, and a hint of smokiness from the grill. The marinade, a blend of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and spices, infuses the chicken with rich flavor while keeping it tender and juicy. These skewers are perfect for summer barbecues, weeknight dinners, or meal prepping for the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare – Simple ingredients and minimal prep work make this recipe a go-to option.
• Incredibly Flavorful – A balance of sweet honey, aromatic garlic, and umami-packed soy sauce creates an irresistible taste.
• Versatile – Can be grilled, baked, or cooked on a stovetop grill pan.
• Great for Meal Prep – Marinate ahead of time for quick cooking.
• Kid-Friendly – A mild yet delicious flavor profile makes this dish a hit with the whole family.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional for added flavor)
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a smoky touch)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening sauce, optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Wooden or metal skewers

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, vinegar, sesame oil (if using), black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes. This mixture will serve as both the marinade and the glaze.

2. Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken pieces in a large zip-top bag or bowl. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor). Reserve the remaining marinade for basting.

3. Soak Wooden Skewers (If Using)

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.

4. Assemble the Skewers

Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.

5. Cook the Skewers

• Grill Method: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (375–400°F). Lightly grease the grates to prevent sticking. Grill skewers for about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
• Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place skewers on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through. Broil for an additional 2 minutes for a charred effect.
• Stovetop Method: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the skewers for about 10–12 minutes, turning frequently.

6. Thicken the Reserved Sauce (Optional)

While the skewers cook, heat the reserved marinade in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer until slightly thickened.

7. Baste and Serve

Brush the cooked skewers with the thickened sauce (if using). Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Variations and Customizations

• Vegetable Additions: Add bell peppers, onions, or zucchini between the chicken pieces for extra color and flavor.
• Spicier Version: Increase red pepper flakes or add Sriracha to the marinade.
• Alternative Proteins: Substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef.
• Baked Instead of Grilled: For an easy, no-grill option, bake the skewers in the oven.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Serving Size and Time Estimates

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes (including minimum marination)

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked skewers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or in an oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.

FAQs

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For best flavor, marinate for at least 30 minutes, but up to 8 hours is ideal. Avoid exceeding 12 hours to prevent the chicken from becoming mushy.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs stay juicier and are a great option for extra tenderness.

What if I don’t have a grill?

You can bake the skewers in the oven at 425°F or cook them in a stovetop grill pan.

How do I prevent skewers from burning?

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. Metal skewers are a reusable alternative.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Marinate the chicken ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 8 hours. You can also freeze the raw marinated chicken for up to 2 months.

What side dishes pair well with honey garlic chicken skewers?

These skewers go well with rice, grilled vegetables, cucumber salad, or a light coleslaw.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the reserved marinade while heating on the stove.

Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce instead?

Yes, but it may be sweeter than homemade marinade. Adjust flavors accordingly.

Are these skewers kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The honey-garlic balance is mild, but you can reduce the garlic or omit red pepper flakes for a softer flavor.

Can I cook these skewers in an air fryer?

Yes! Cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are an easy and flavorful dish that works for any occasion. Whether grilled, baked, or cooked on the stovetop, they deliver a perfect combination of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness. Pair them with your favorite sides, and enjoy a delicious, homemade meal with minimal effort!

Print